Grace in Every Season
JANUARY to MAY
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Dear friends,
As we reflect on the past few months, we are reminded of God’s presence in both our joys and challenges—guiding us, sustaining us, and working through every part of our lives and ministry. At home in Antalya, we are doing well. Josiah is facing a stressful season as he prepares for his major university exam. This is a significant moment for him, and we are praying that he will do well and be able to continue on to university. David, with his curious questions and vibrant energy, brings a bright light to our days. Buse remains a steady and gracious partner, sharing in the joys and burdens of life and ministry. At Antalya Protestant Church, we experienced a meaningful Christmas season filled with new visitors and open hearts. We rejoiced in January during a staff day that allowed us to rest, have fun, and reconnect—it was a refreshing time of fellowship and shared joy. In February we celebrated the baptism of Ensar—a powerful testimony of God’s transforming love... Our children’s ministry now runs every other Sunday, bringing Bible stories and worship to the youngest in our church. We continue to meet in men’s and women’s groups for encouragement and growth, and I lead online doctrine classes, including a Q&A segment that tackles some of the tough questions believers are asking today. In our broader ministry through Acts 29 and Via Christus Ministries, we’ve been richly blessed by several key events. Dr. Ben Edwards taught on apologetics and worldview in January, equipping our pastors with tools to engage thoughtfully with culture. In February, I traveled to Istanbul to support church planters and later joined Philip Moore in Baku, where we affirmed the first Acts 29 partner church in Azerbaijan—an incredible step forward. In March, we hosted Dr. Tim Savage for a pastors' retreat centered on Ephesians—a truly refreshing time. More recently, we welcomed Kevin and Christy Scott. Kevin led a course on pastoral ministry, giving pastors across the region valuable tools to shepherd their churches more effectively. One area of deep concern and urgent prayer has been the church in Fethiye, where I visited twice in recent weeks. Their pastor and family were forced to leave the country, and this isn’t an isolated case—an American pastor friend from Antalya has also been expelled. These events are heavy on our hearts. In response, I am traveling to encourage and preach for pastors across the country who are in similar situations, helping them stay grounded in hope and purpose. Finally, concerning Miletus House we are facing an important transition. The building has been sold again, and we must move by March 2026. While this is challenging, we remain committed to the vision of creating a space where pastors and Christian leaders can rest, grow, and be renewed for ministry. We've received $108,915 toward our goal of $750,000 for a new home—God has been generous, and we continue to trust His timing and provision. Thank you for standing with us. Your prayers and support mean more than we can express. Together, we press on in the work God has set before us, confident in His faithfulness. Grace and peace, Kerem Koç |
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A Season of Growth and Challenges
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER / NOVEMBER / DECEMBER 2024
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Dear Friends,
As we step into the new year, I want to share some updates from our personal life, ministry, and the exciting Miletus House Project. Each area reflects God’s faithfulness and the unique challenges He is guiding us through. Family Life: Joys and Challenges This Christmas was a special time for our family. We enjoyed being together, cherishing moments of laughter and love, and reflecting on the gift of Christ. However, this season has also been challenging in many ways. In November, I traveled to the United States for a month, the longest I’ve been away from my family in years. It was a fruitful trip filled with preaching, conferences, and partner visits, as well as celebrating Thanksgiving with new friends. Yet, it was tough for Buse and the kids. Please pray for us as we continue to navigate the balance between ministry and family life. On a brighter note, David has been blessed by new friendships at church. A new family recently joined to serve at our church, bringing with them children who have quickly become David’s friends. Their arrival has brought excitement and renewed joy to our community and has been an incredible encouragement for David after a season of loneliness. Josiah has been busy at the gym, enjoying basketball, and preparing for university—an exciting yet challenging stage for all of us. Parenting a teenager brings its own set of trials, and we deeply appreciate your prayers for wisdom and strength, especially for Buse, who juggles family care and ministry work so gracefully. |
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Via Christus Ministries: Growth Amid Challenges
Via Christus Ministries continues to move forward with exciting developments and tough realities. We are thrilled to welcome two new team members, Ferah and Ilgaz, who have joined both Via Christus and the Acts 29 Turkic Regions team. Their contributions are already proving invaluable across our ministries, supporting Church Planting efforts, the Academy, and our book production and online outreach. We’re excited to see how God will continue to work through them in the days ahead.
Under the Via Christus Academy, we recently completed a 5-day session on Systematic Theology I taught by Greg Cline, one of our faculty members and a leader at Antalya Protestant Church. The session, as always, was held at our Academy building and provided deep theological grounding and inspiration for those in attendance. These classes continue to be a cornerstone of equipping leaders for the ministry.
On a heavier note, we face growing challenges as Turkey has begun expelling foreign Christians from the country. Early in January, we said a painful goodbye to Pastor David Taylor and his family, who have been vital to the church in Fethiye and to the broader ministry of Acts 29 and Via Christus. Please pray for their transition and for the many believers impacted by these changes.
This year, my preaching schedule has been adjusted to twice a month at Antalya Protestant Church, freeing me to visit other churches once a month. Fethiye Community Church, in particular, needs our help. Please pray for strength and guidance as we extend our ministry to meet these needs.
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Antalya Protestant Church: Christmas Joy and Community Growth
The ministry at Antalya Protestant Church has been a source of joy this season. Our Christmas celebration was especially encouraging, as we welcomed 15 new visitors to join us in celebrating the birth of Christ. It was a powerful reminder of the hope we have in the Gospel and the impact of our witness in the community. David, our youngest, has particularly benefited from new friendships at church. The arrival of a new family to serve at our church has been a blessing to our community, and their children have brought joy and companionship to David. Seeing God at work in our family and church community fills us with gratitude. As we look to the year ahead, we trust God to continue growing His church and strengthening our community in Antalya. |
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Miletus House Project: A Vision in Motion
I’m thrilled to share that the Miletus House Project has officially begun. This initiative is more than a building; it’s a cornerstone for our ministry’s future.
We’ve raised $78,000 of our $750,000 goal to secure a new facility. This project was a significant focus of my U.S. trip, and I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made. Thankfully, our current lease has been extended until March 2026, giving us time to secure and prepare a new location.
This is a lifetime project for me, and your prayers and support are vital. To learn more about the project, watch our video, or find ways to support, please visit our project website. Your involvement can make a lasting impact as we work together toward this vision.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
I’m thrilled to share that the Miletus House Project has officially begun. This initiative is more than a building; it’s a cornerstone for our ministry’s future.
We’ve raised $78,000 of our $750,000 goal to secure a new facility. This project was a significant focus of my U.S. trip, and I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve made. Thankfully, our current lease has been extended until March 2026, giving us time to secure and prepare a new location.
This is a lifetime project for me, and your prayers and support are vital. To learn more about the project, watch our video, or find ways to support, please visit our project website. Your involvement can make a lasting impact as we work together toward this vision.
Thank you for walking this journey with us.
Gratitude and Prayer Requests
Through all these joys and challenges, we are deeply grateful for your love, prayers, and support. You are a vital part of what God is doing here, and we thank the Lord for each of you.
Please join us in praying for:
- Wisdom and strength for our family as we navigate ministry and parenting.
- Encouragement and support for the churches in Fethiye and beyond.
- Provision and progress for the Miletus House Project.
May God continue to bless and guide each of you in your journey of faith.
Grace and peace,
Kerem
P.S.: If you’re wondering why my English sounds better, it’s not because I suddenly became fluent—it’s because I’ve been using AI. Don’t worry, I still write the heartfelt stuff; it just polishes the grammar for me!
Our Journey Forward
APRIL / MAY / JUNE / JULY 2024
Dear Friends...
Greetings to you all!
Family
We are grateful for God's blessings in our lives and ministry. Our children had a successful year at school, and we thank God for their well-being. They are now done with the school year, and after a very busy season, we have had the opportunity to take things easy for two weeks. My wife Buse has been extremely busy as she actively helps with the ministry, prepares and cleans our academy for visitors and pastors, and manages church duties. Even though we are trying to rest a bit, she still actively ensures our lives are in order.
Greetings to you all!
Family
We are grateful for God's blessings in our lives and ministry. Our children had a successful year at school, and we thank God for their well-being. They are now done with the school year, and after a very busy season, we have had the opportunity to take things easy for two weeks. My wife Buse has been extremely busy as she actively helps with the ministry, prepares and cleans our academy for visitors and pastors, and manages church duties. Even though we are trying to rest a bit, she still actively ensures our lives are in order.
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Church
This past period has been exhausting due to numerous national meetings, academy sessions, international trips, and busy times at the church. By God's mercy, many beautiful things are happening in our lives. God has blessed our church; lately, our church has been active with new youths, and seeing them developing friendships has been great. Additionally, a new family will soon join our church and, hopefully, assist in leadership. This is very exciting for us, as we have been in need of another family to serve alongside us. One particularly proud moment was when Josiah did his first sermon translation, and he did a great job. It was emotional to see him serve Christ like this. We praise the Lord for all the developments at our church.
This past period has been exhausting due to numerous national meetings, academy sessions, international trips, and busy times at the church. By God's mercy, many beautiful things are happening in our lives. God has blessed our church; lately, our church has been active with new youths, and seeing them developing friendships has been great. Additionally, a new family will soon join our church and, hopefully, assist in leadership. This is very exciting for us, as we have been in need of another family to serve alongside us. One particularly proud moment was when Josiah did his first sermon translation, and he did a great job. It was emotional to see him serve Christ like this. We praise the Lord for all the developments at our church.
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Friends
One of the highlights for our family was visiting our dear friends Hakan and Luda in Moldova. This trip was both a holiday for Buse and me and an encouraging time with our pastor friend and his wife, who were expelled from Turkey. It was a blessing not only to visit them but also to have some of our friends come and visit us. These visits made the time even more special, filled with mutual encouragement and fellowship.
One of the highlights for our family was visiting our dear friends Hakan and Luda in Moldova. This trip was both a holiday for Buse and me and an encouraging time with our pastor friend and his wife, who were expelled from Turkey. It was a blessing not only to visit them but also to have some of our friends come and visit us. These visits made the time even more special, filled with mutual encouragement and fellowship.
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Via Christus Academy
In our academy, we recently had a Homiletics class taught by Dr. Tony Merida and a Pastoral Theology class led by Pastor Tim Bice. These sessions were very encouraging for all our pastors. Over the last twelve months, we have hosted pastors from 7 different countries, including our latest attendee from Turkmenistan, which was a great encouragement for all of us.
This summer will be a bit slower, focusing on writing projects and preaching at our local church. I will be going to England next week to build further partnerships with academics for our Pastors Academy. At this point, we need some help on the academic and financial side for our academy.
Building Project
We are working on a major project at the moment and appreciate your prayers, especially for our plan to buy a building. Our current rent will end in November 2025, and the costs are too high for us to continue renting. Purchasing a building will be financially and legally beneficial in the long term. Your continued support and care are deeply appreciated.
Also we have some minor health issues lately, we need your prayers on that end as well.
Blessings,
Kerem
In our academy, we recently had a Homiletics class taught by Dr. Tony Merida and a Pastoral Theology class led by Pastor Tim Bice. These sessions were very encouraging for all our pastors. Over the last twelve months, we have hosted pastors from 7 different countries, including our latest attendee from Turkmenistan, which was a great encouragement for all of us.
This summer will be a bit slower, focusing on writing projects and preaching at our local church. I will be going to England next week to build further partnerships with academics for our Pastors Academy. At this point, we need some help on the academic and financial side for our academy.
Building Project
We are working on a major project at the moment and appreciate your prayers, especially for our plan to buy a building. Our current rent will end in November 2025, and the costs are too high for us to continue renting. Purchasing a building will be financially and legally beneficial in the long term. Your continued support and care are deeply appreciated.
Also we have some minor health issues lately, we need your prayers on that end as well.
Blessings,
Kerem
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