VIA CHRISTUS MINISTRIES
August 2022
We have great news for you today. But let's start slow first.
The last 2 weeks have been very encouraging for us. Because My family and I travelled to Ephesus. I had the opportunity to teach at a seminar close by Ephesus. I taught Systematic Theology for the first two days, total of 5 classes. On the third day, we went to Ephesus. I teach about Acts 19 at the theater in the historical city of Ephesus. Then we went to the upper part of the city and teach there from the Revelation 2. It was long few days, but very encouraging time. Afterwards, we visited the pastors and their spouses in the region. Which many of them the pastors we work closely in different projects. On the way back, we took a 6-day vacation which was needed for a long time. It's been an incredible two weeks.
Let me tell you a little about the developments in Via Christus Ministries. We have recently published Philip Ryken's book Justification as Via Christus Publications. I think this publication will be a blessing to many people. This is the 8th book of our publishing house and we are determined to continue publishing quality works. Let us give thanks to the Lord for these blessings.
Let's get to the most important news. We, as Via Christus Board, decided to take our Pastoral Academy to next level. Previously Via Christus Academy provided 5-days long study event for pastors and leaders. However we decided to make our Academy a program. What does this mean? Now we want to provide education to Church Leaders, 3-year long certificate program. In the last 9 months, I have talked and interviewed about 60 people. Pastors, professors, deans, university presidents, administrators and fun raisers... I've learned a lot during this process. When we announced about the Academy program, many pastors (which we've worked with for years) become very excited about it. Check out the link to learn more about it. This is a very large and long term project and hopefully it will be a great encouragement to many men of God in Turkey and the surrounding countries.
Would you please pray for Academy, we really need your prayers on this.
The last 2 weeks have been very encouraging for us. Because My family and I travelled to Ephesus. I had the opportunity to teach at a seminar close by Ephesus. I taught Systematic Theology for the first two days, total of 5 classes. On the third day, we went to Ephesus. I teach about Acts 19 at the theater in the historical city of Ephesus. Then we went to the upper part of the city and teach there from the Revelation 2. It was long few days, but very encouraging time. Afterwards, we visited the pastors and their spouses in the region. Which many of them the pastors we work closely in different projects. On the way back, we took a 6-day vacation which was needed for a long time. It's been an incredible two weeks.
Let me tell you a little about the developments in Via Christus Ministries. We have recently published Philip Ryken's book Justification as Via Christus Publications. I think this publication will be a blessing to many people. This is the 8th book of our publishing house and we are determined to continue publishing quality works. Let us give thanks to the Lord for these blessings.
Let's get to the most important news. We, as Via Christus Board, decided to take our Pastoral Academy to next level. Previously Via Christus Academy provided 5-days long study event for pastors and leaders. However we decided to make our Academy a program. What does this mean? Now we want to provide education to Church Leaders, 3-year long certificate program. In the last 9 months, I have talked and interviewed about 60 people. Pastors, professors, deans, university presidents, administrators and fun raisers... I've learned a lot during this process. When we announced about the Academy program, many pastors (which we've worked with for years) become very excited about it. Check out the link to learn more about it. This is a very large and long term project and hopefully it will be a great encouragement to many men of God in Turkey and the surrounding countries.
Would you please pray for Academy, we really need your prayers on this.
Antalya Protestant Church
July 2022
Matlock family have moved to US last year, but they came back to Turkey this year. They stayed here for 3 months. They always served us sincerely. It was so encouraging to have them. They are going back to US again. But this time, they are not the only people who are leaving. Davy family is also moving back. Our friendship with them goes back much longer. We know Haniel and Michelle for about 15 years, and they have serve in our church for about 10 years. Haniel has been one of our church leaders for years. His commitment to church was incredible. He and Michelle are faithful christians and finding people like them is really hard. It was so hard to say good bye to them. We will miss them so much.
Two new families joined us 2 years ago (Mark and Becca, Greg and Brittney). It was just the beginning of Corona when they arrive. It was a very difficult and stressful season for them. Now things are better with corona and life started again. Now Mark and Greg stepped up to serve at our church as one of the leaders. We have now a counsel to lead the family, until we have new pastors. Their commitment to our church and ministry has been encouraging to all of us. So even though 2 families moved back to their homeland, God bring two new families for his church. We praise the Lord for a great partnership that God provided for us for many years with Matlock and Davy families... Please pray for us, as we go thru a transition time and our new partnerships.
There are few pictures below. These pictures taken with Matlock and Davy families in their last few weeks in Antalya... I also added a picture with Greg and Mark. These two men has been already a huge blessing to me and our church.
Two new families joined us 2 years ago (Mark and Becca, Greg and Brittney). It was just the beginning of Corona when they arrive. It was a very difficult and stressful season for them. Now things are better with corona and life started again. Now Mark and Greg stepped up to serve at our church as one of the leaders. We have now a counsel to lead the family, until we have new pastors. Their commitment to our church and ministry has been encouraging to all of us. So even though 2 families moved back to their homeland, God bring two new families for his church. We praise the Lord for a great partnership that God provided for us for many years with Matlock and Davy families... Please pray for us, as we go thru a transition time and our new partnerships.
There are few pictures below. These pictures taken with Matlock and Davy families in their last few weeks in Antalya... I also added a picture with Greg and Mark. These two men has been already a huge blessing to me and our church.
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Family
June 2022
Hello All,
I am writing this post from my sick bed. I had a minor surgery a few days ago, and right after that, I made a wrong move and injured my back. Unfortunately my health struggle is a continuous, daily fight for me. However, God has been very merciful to us over the past few months, and doctors were able to take right steps about some of my issues. Specifically I have had issues with my stomach for many years, and things has been better lately. So even though these issues were there, I was not really effected in spiritually. Lord has been strengthen me thru these pains and issues for sure. PTL.
We now are in the summer break. Josiah just finished his first year of high school and his grades are much better than we expected. He is turning into becoming a young man for sure. David just finished first grade. He knows how to read, but we do not expect him to be an academic. He doesn't like school very much and I can't blame him for that. The first year is always tough. Since kids are in summer break now, they enjoy computer, swimming, basketball etc. We sometimes go to our cabin in mountains. Specifically David loves to be in the mountains... Our life is no different. I serve at our church as well as Acts 29 and Via Christus. Surely I am a blessed men, since I love my ministry. Buse continues to serve us and the church as usual. What would we do without her? She is God given gift to me and the boys. Not only does she takes care all of us, but she also does help me with some secretarial works. She definitely needs some break though.
In the coming days, we will go to Ephesus, where I will give a lecture at a camp close by there. Right after that, I will visit some pastors in region. And hopefully after a week, we will have the opportunity to rest for a few days. I'm sure it will be good for all of us. Please continue to pray for our family during this time, as God refreshes us before the school season starts again.
I am writing this post from my sick bed. I had a minor surgery a few days ago, and right after that, I made a wrong move and injured my back. Unfortunately my health struggle is a continuous, daily fight for me. However, God has been very merciful to us over the past few months, and doctors were able to take right steps about some of my issues. Specifically I have had issues with my stomach for many years, and things has been better lately. So even though these issues were there, I was not really effected in spiritually. Lord has been strengthen me thru these pains and issues for sure. PTL.
We now are in the summer break. Josiah just finished his first year of high school and his grades are much better than we expected. He is turning into becoming a young man for sure. David just finished first grade. He knows how to read, but we do not expect him to be an academic. He doesn't like school very much and I can't blame him for that. The first year is always tough. Since kids are in summer break now, they enjoy computer, swimming, basketball etc. We sometimes go to our cabin in mountains. Specifically David loves to be in the mountains... Our life is no different. I serve at our church as well as Acts 29 and Via Christus. Surely I am a blessed men, since I love my ministry. Buse continues to serve us and the church as usual. What would we do without her? She is God given gift to me and the boys. Not only does she takes care all of us, but she also does help me with some secretarial works. She definitely needs some break though.
In the coming days, we will go to Ephesus, where I will give a lecture at a camp close by there. Right after that, I will visit some pastors in region. And hopefully after a week, we will have the opportunity to rest for a few days. I'm sure it will be good for all of us. Please continue to pray for our family during this time, as God refreshes us before the school season starts again.
Acts 29
May 2022
About two thousand years ago, disciples of Christ and other faithful Christians came to this land that is now Turkey, proclaiming the gospel of Christ and establishing churches. Although two thousand years have passed, our call is no different. Like those early Christians, we are committed to preaching the gospel of Christ, growing in unity, and planting churches that glorify God.
It is our desire that mature believers grow in the Word and that healthy churches are reestablished in this land and around the world. With this desire, we decided to study the letter of Ephesians in our latest Acts 29 Conference. As always, our aim was not to focus on our differences, but rather to study the Scriptures together, focusing on topics that will encourage each other and examine our unity. Of course, not only that, we were able to build great friendships, during the time we spend together with the new brothers and sisters from different parts of Turkey.
This was an encouraging conference where we learn more about out identity in Christ.
It is our desire that mature believers grow in the Word and that healthy churches are reestablished in this land and around the world. With this desire, we decided to study the letter of Ephesians in our latest Acts 29 Conference. As always, our aim was not to focus on our differences, but rather to study the Scriptures together, focusing on topics that will encourage each other and examine our unity. Of course, not only that, we were able to build great friendships, during the time we spend together with the new brothers and sisters from different parts of Turkey.
This was an encouraging conference where we learn more about out identity in Christ.
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Family
March 2022
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Some of you have asked me about the name of the books that I would like to replace. Over 330 books are gone, and I would like to replace at least 50 books at this stage. Sections are destroyed are Ekklesiology (All gone), Other Religions and False Teachings (All gone), Ethics (All gone) Marriage and Family, Christian Living, Original Languages, Systematic Theology and some sections of the Commentaries. Check below for the list of the books. Other similar books are appreciated as well.
Thank you so much for the help. Understanding Church Discipline - Leeman Children of the Promise- Booth The Church - Dever Life in the Father’s House - Mack Deliberate Church - Dever What is a healthy church - Dever What is the Church - Sproul What is the Reformed Church - Smallman What is the relationship between church and State? - Sproul Why We love the Church - DeYoung God of promise and the life of faith - Hafemann A Camaraderie of Confidence - Piper Hidden Smile of God - Piper Evangelical Ethics - Davis What is Christian Worldview? - Ryken Reason for God - Keller This Momentary Marriage - Piper |
Gospel Centered Marriage - Chester
Christian Marriage- Lloyd Jones Truth We Confess - Sproul The Mingling of the Souls - Chandler Systematic Theology - Strong Lectures in Systematic Theology - Thiessen Elenctic Theology - Turretin Hebrews - Guthrie Hebrews - Jones Pastoral Epistles - Guthrie 1- 2 Thesselonians - Howell Thesselonians, Pastoral Epistles and Hebrews - Hendriksen 1- 2 Thesselonians - Morris Let’s Study 1- 2 Thesselonians - Young Titus For You - Chester Let’s Study 1 Timothy - Cook Song of Songs - Akin Isaiah - Goldingay Encountering John - Köstenberger Letter of John - Hamilton Jeremian and Lamentations - Smith Isaiah - Oswalt Isaiah - Wolf Isaiah - Motyer Jeremiah - Lamentations - Longman III Jeremiah - Lamentations - Smith |
Family
January 2022
We have had a tough start to the new year. Unfortunately Josiah became very sick (heavy cold) at the first week of the month Soon after that I fly to Istanbul to meet pastors and friends, but instead of that, I was in the bed of my Airbnb for 4 days. It was one of those cold that knock you down. Buse think that is was corona. I had to go to hospital as well, and got serum. Soon after came back to Antalya, my library and office flooded. I have lost many digital devices, bookshelves, cabinets as well as 330 books. We have a lot of damage and it will cost a lot to replace things... I think we have over 6k USD damage. It was very discouraging moment for us. Things are still getting dry at the moment. But wait for it, it is not over yet. Last week Buse and David was so sick that we needed to go to hospital. They were covid, I got pretty sick as well. But since we were all in quarantine, I couldn't go get a pcr test. It was a tough week. It was actually, tough for 5 weeks straight.
However we are not discouraged. There are new developments at the church and our ministries, which is encouraging. We know that, God is good in all the times. Tough times comes but love of our Lord doesn't changes. Among all these hardships, he reminded us that he gave us to each other. Buse and I have had a celebration of 17th year anniversary. Which was a lovely night. We also have had a baptism (of brother Dehham), which is one of the most exciting event of the last 12 month. So among those hard days it was a reminder for us that we have an amazing Lord. After darkness, light...
We would be appreciated if you pray for our health during these days.
NOTE: Also one of our church members are struggling with cancer and not able to buy his medicine. If any of you are in the medical field and have access to Cabometyx medicine, would you please get in touch with us. We really need some of this medicine.
However we are not discouraged. There are new developments at the church and our ministries, which is encouraging. We know that, God is good in all the times. Tough times comes but love of our Lord doesn't changes. Among all these hardships, he reminded us that he gave us to each other. Buse and I have had a celebration of 17th year anniversary. Which was a lovely night. We also have had a baptism (of brother Dehham), which is one of the most exciting event of the last 12 month. So among those hard days it was a reminder for us that we have an amazing Lord. After darkness, light...
We would be appreciated if you pray for our health during these days.
NOTE: Also one of our church members are struggling with cancer and not able to buy his medicine. If any of you are in the medical field and have access to Cabometyx medicine, would you please get in touch with us. We really need some of this medicine.
Antalya Protestant Church
Christmas / December 2021
Christmas time was wonderful for our family and church. First of all, we received some letter (from some of you) in Christmas Eve. This was such an encouraging time for us. We started reading very nice letters and card from the Churches in US. After that open some gifts, enjoy some meal with family. And sunday, we have had the Christmas service. Which was great because I was able to remind my family, our church and visitors, that Christmas was not about trees, lights, toys... It was about our saviour who came to world to save us. More than About 12-13 new people heard the gospel for the first time in their lives. It was definitely highlight of the end of the year.
Pictures Below
No 1-4, pictures from our Christmas service... (In picture 1 and 2 Josiah is the person who plays piano)
No 5, David is rocking his guitar. Even though he doesn't know, he tries.
No 6-9 Christmas day with family
Pictures Below
No 1-4, pictures from our Christmas service... (In picture 1 and 2 Josiah is the person who plays piano)
No 5, David is rocking his guitar. Even though he doesn't know, he tries.
No 6-9 Christmas day with family
Antalya Protestant Church
Christmas Party / December 2021
We throw a party every year during the december and play games like dart and white elephant etc. This year was fun again. We have had a wonderful time together and enjoy the meal. This type of times are really encouraging and building the body. It allows us to get to know each other.
Acts 29
Retreat for Pastors and their Families / November 2021
Lovely time with Pastors and their families from Turkey, Bulgaria and America together. Pastor Steve (from Dayton Ohio) teach from the Bible. We specifically talk about marriage, family, and ministry and learn about humility... I also shared some biographical stories (life of Luther, Calvin and Whitefield) and we learn more about some of the historical figures. Kids and Teen agers enjoyed the studies and conversation together. Yasam Agaci Ministries served among us to help our kids and teens. This was a refreshing time.
Antalya Protestant Church
Church Retreat / November 2021
We gathered in Çıralı Antalya and spent few days together with our church members. We have had such a great time and able rest as well. Our plan was to start things with Haniel preaching on sunday. However Haniel injured his leg badly (weirdly enough we have the picture of the moment) and he was not really able stand well enough to be at the pulpit. So we changed plans and Greg preached the Word. Following few days Mark and I did do some teaching and devotionals. We were able to sing, praise the Lord and spent time with each other. It was definitely encouraging.
Pray for Haniel, for quick recovery. He has injured before very similarly, and this might take sometime as well.
Praise God for an amazing time. This was encouraging for sure. Also praise God that our brother Dehham came to Christ few days after this camp. It was such a joy. His picture below, he is in 4th picture, in grey adidas shirt.
Pray for Haniel, for quick recovery. He has injured before very similarly, and this might take sometime as well.
Praise God for an amazing time. This was encouraging for sure. Also praise God that our brother Dehham came to Christ few days after this camp. It was such a joy. His picture below, he is in 4th picture, in grey adidas shirt.
Acts 29
Visiting Pastors / 2021
On one of my updates, I explain about 6 Turkish pastors going through process of deportation. Technically their wives (whom are foreign ladies) are getting deported, but surely the targets are Turkish pastors. Many of them are close friends and some of them already deported. And it seems like there is no way for them to get back in. Some of the pastor's wives are illegally staying in Turkey at the moment. Even though they didn't do anything wrong, government make them look like they are threat to national security. For that reason helping them become one of my major focus. I have been visiting them, talking with lawyers and trying to find them some support. Below you will some some pictures from my visitations of Pastors.
First two pictures is from a visit Pastor Hakan in Moldova, I also invited Pastor Mesut with me for this trip.
Pray
Please pray for these pastors and families, as they go thru a really tough times.
First two pictures is from a visit Pastor Hakan in Moldova, I also invited Pastor Mesut with me for this trip.
Pray
Please pray for these pastors and families, as they go thru a really tough times.
Random Pictures
2021
No 1: Josiah is practicing Christmas songs with Mark.
No 2: Youth hang out and me :) !
No 3: Playing pool with my boys
No 4: Translating and practicing new worship songs
No 5: Our family from Turkey and our family from US eating meal together
No 6: David with his classmates and teaching in a Republic day.
No 7: Josiah is no longer a kid
No 8: Video productions
No 9: Koç family... Yeyyyy
No 10: Knocking down the older brother
No 11: Family in the mountain cabin
No 12: Kerem, Buse and David visits waterfalls
No 2: Youth hang out and me :) !
No 3: Playing pool with my boys
No 4: Translating and practicing new worship songs
No 5: Our family from Turkey and our family from US eating meal together
No 6: David with his classmates and teaching in a Republic day.
No 7: Josiah is no longer a kid
No 8: Video productions
No 9: Koç family... Yeyyyy
No 10: Knocking down the older brother
No 11: Family in the mountain cabin
No 12: Kerem, Buse and David visits waterfalls
Via Christus Ministries
Pastor's Academy / Fall 2021
This year Via Christus Ministries has been very active. We started to use social media much more fluently and working on many projects, such as website for Pastor's, book project on Justification and Pastoral Study (3 hours zoom call to study the Word)... And finally we were able to start our classic Pastoral Academy. A 4-5 days long study (face to face) and retreat. For this study, Dr. Sherif Gendy from Ligonier Ministries came to teach us Minor Prophets. It was great study since the subject often neglected by many of us. Dr. Gendy is Egyptian backgrounded so his way of teaching and manner is very close to our culture, so it fit our group so well. It was a wonderful time of rest, friendship and study. This was a refreshing start to academy after long corona break.
Here is few feedback from Pastors...
Pastor Andrey (from Bulgaria): Via Christus Academy is a refreshing time, good study, good people, good food ve good historic sightseeings. We collect energy to go back to ministry again.
Pastor Mesut (from Balıkesir Turkey): Via Christus Ministries' Academy is definitely provides Christ Centered and Bible focused education. My Church and I are immensely benefitted of this ministries materials, such as Academy, Books, Online Ministries. We are very thankful for their service to us.
Pastor Hakan (from Moldova): This academy is has special place in my life. I have met many pastors from the first day I started to join the studies. These studies definitively effected my life in a positive way.
Pray
Please pray for future academies, our ministry partners changed focus from Pastoral Education to Persecution Aid. This year we barely got the support. But unfortunately, our academy might not get funded for next year. We are excited to see they take persecution of Christians very seriously, however this might mean a major struggle for our own academy.
Here is few feedback from Pastors...
Pastor Andrey (from Bulgaria): Via Christus Academy is a refreshing time, good study, good people, good food ve good historic sightseeings. We collect energy to go back to ministry again.
Pastor Mesut (from Balıkesir Turkey): Via Christus Ministries' Academy is definitely provides Christ Centered and Bible focused education. My Church and I are immensely benefitted of this ministries materials, such as Academy, Books, Online Ministries. We are very thankful for their service to us.
Pastor Hakan (from Moldova): This academy is has special place in my life. I have met many pastors from the first day I started to join the studies. These studies definitively effected my life in a positive way.
Pray
Please pray for future academies, our ministry partners changed focus from Pastoral Education to Persecution Aid. This year we barely got the support. But unfortunately, our academy might not get funded for next year. We are excited to see they take persecution of Christians very seriously, however this might mean a major struggle for our own academy.
Family
Fall 2021
This is an interesting time for our family. Josiah started the high school. And he is doing much better than secondary school. Unfortunately we have had some issues with bullying (because he was a Christian) and loneliness. But he had quite few friends in high school now, and his studies getting better everyday. David was supposed to start school last year, but since life is so different with Corona we decided that he should wait a year. So he did started his first grade. To be honest, he doesn't like to do writing and homework, however he loves to run around. He is happy, cheerful and active boy... This time is nice for Buse. After having 2 boys plus husband at home for long time, now she can have a quite home for a bit until the boys are back.
