Greece to Turkey; Spotlight: Sungku
“When Gallio became governor of Achaia, some Jews rose up together against Paul and brought him before the governor for judgement.” –
[Columns of an ancient temple in Corinth: Photo, John Paul Vicory]
[The last remaining pillars in the temple of Apollos, Corinth: Photo, John Paul Vicory]
Another terrific experience occurred a few days after we arrived in
[The entrance to the Celsus Library in Ephesus: Photo, John Paul Vicory]
[Carla and Tim reading an Epistle of Paul close to where it was read for the first time: Photo, John Paul Vicory]
Over the last few weeks especially, the Word has come to life for each person as we study… A few of us even had a chance to experience the power of God on the Ferry ride from
We asked if we could pray for him, but the message wasn’t getting through. All of the sudden, the boy started wrenching on the ground, grasping for shoes or whatever he could get his hands on and started throwing them around. Once he didn’t have anything to throw, he started bashing himself in the face with his fists, shrieking all the while. When this happened, the three of us laid hands on him and commanded the evil spirit to come out of him and to torment him no longer. After a few minutes, we all (unaware of each other) started praying the peace of Jesus over the boy and his life. Kate was holding his hand and he gave one final intense squeeze and then relaxed. His entire countenance changed. He opened his tear stained eyes and we could visibly see his bloodshot glazed eyes become white and clear. A few more of the trackers were here by this time and were around him praying as well. We sat him up and gave him water, which he gulped down and a banana and some cookies. He was able to eat! We sat there with him for a few more minutes, but while everything was happening, we had arrived in our port and had to leave. We tried to explain the love of Jesus, but our translator had already taken off before we arrived.
We had been studying Acts with David Hamilton, Dan Shannon, and Andrew York that entire week learning about how the God of the Bible is still alive and moving just like he did then. He wants to use those who are willing. We should set Acts and the miraculous that happened then as our standard today. Why shouldn’t we? Why do we live our entire lives without expecting that God desires to do the same things with us as he did with Peter and Paul. I was scared to death to go over and command evil out of someone, but God taught me so much in that one experience; about his power, but also his love for all people.
So, now we are here in Selcuk for the next little while, expecting God to keep using us to show the love of Jesus with those around us. Pray that we will be bold to move where he wants us, and also for the hearts and minds of the 99% of the Turkish people who are Muslim.
Spotlight: Sungku
[Sungku on the Ferry from the Greek Island Chios to Turkey: Photo, John Paul Vicory]
Sungku and I became roommates once we got to
Sungku came to a personal relationship with Jesus when he was 13 in
Sungku’s culture teaches him that he has to work hard for everything that he has and if he doesn’t have the money to do something, he can’t do it. Sung has been hard at work, doing what the Lord tells him to do, which most of the time isn’t a walk in the park. Getting sponsors and raising support is much harder to do, so God is constantly reminding him that He is God and can provide so much more than Sung can ever think or imagine. Because of his obedience, God has taken him halfway around the world and he will take him the rest of the way as well. Before the track started, God took him to
[Grandmother: Photo, Sungku0
For the Round the World portion, Sung is expecting to see God’s provision more and more, and is relying on it. He knows that his impact will be great while he is out here in the world, but trusts that through a publication and tour, that God’s heart for the world will be shown on a much more wide-scale and influential level, penetrating the Western world. For the track, he wants to trust in God more and more, stepping out in the ways that the Holy Spirit is leading. It’s easy to let doubt creep in (in all of our lives), but important to remain grounded on the promises of God.
[Crying Baby: Photo, Sungku]
When asked if he had any advice for you, the readers, he said this…
“Step out! God prepares for us. If you don’t step out, it’s not going to happen.”
[Balloons: Photo, Sungku]
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Thank you for your faithfulness to us as we are faithful to our Father.
In Christ
John Paul