This summer, Kerem and his family embarked on their fifty day trip to the United States of America. This trip wasn’t a vacation, at least not in the usual sense of the word. Rather, the purpose of their trip was to visit supporting and like-minded churches and give updates to their supporters about the gospel work happening in Antalya. Kerem and his family were blessed by the trip because for the first time in their ministry they were able to visit more supporting churches than ever before. The length of the trip also provided ample time for Kerem and church leaders to discuss and pray about what future ministry in Turkey looks like. However, the Koç’s trip was also filled with plenty of hardships. Two times their rental car broke down and three other cars they received as replacements from the rental company had other mechanical issues. This made their eight-thousand mile trip much more stressful than what they counted on, however, these difficulties reminded them to give thanks and praise to God in every circumstance.
While Kerem was away from the church, Hakan Güven along with other foreign worker members led APK. Hakan not only preached in Kerem’s absence, but visited church members and led classes for those preparing for baptism. APK has been very blessed by Hakan’s ability to lead, serve, and preach while Kerem is away. Via Christus is happy to announce that it translated and published Kevin DeYoung’s book Taking God At His Word. Thank you to everyone who prays for and supports Via Christus. Translating gospel-centered, Christ-exalting resources is a crucial ministry in Turkey. It wouldn’t be possible without your support. Although the Koç family are glad to be back in Antalya after a long trip, this season hasn’t been without difficulties. Kerem, leaders at APK, and mentors from Acts 29 are all considering where Kerem’s gifts can serve APK the best, but also where his gifts can serve the church in Europe and Central Asia. Recently, Kerem has accepted the role of Acts 29 regional director, a role that oversees church planting efforts with Acts 29 in Bulgaria, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Armenia, and Kazakhstan. As of now, Kerem has been encouraged by mentors and friends to take a six month sabbatical, something he has desired for a while but hasn’t had the time or help to do so. This sabbatical will provide Kerem with some much needed rest, but it also will provide him opportunity to pray about how his family will continue to serve the church in Europe and Central Asia. Please pray that the Lord will use this sabbatical to give clarity, healing, and rest to Kerem and his family. We ask that you would be praying for APK at this time as new measures are taken to bring about health within the church. The most important change will be plural eldership, something APK will pursue rigorously for the next year. There will also be changes in how the congregation understands church membership, church discipline, and evangelism. Pray that APK’s leaders will humbly lead and serve the body to understand and live out these biblical marks of church health.
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About This BlogPictures and News from Archives
October 2019
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