Thanksgiving Hymn

By: Marcus Leman

26 November 2009

(You can sing it to Ellacombe - "I Sing the Mighty Power of God")

Lord of the heavens, Lord of earth, thank you for making us;

Made in your image and likeness but formed from lowly dust.

Thank you for labors to attend whereby you sustain us;

We are your vessels to command, you give our lives purpose.

God of salvation, God of grace, thank you for saving me;

When I was lost and hard of heart You displayed great mercy!

Thank you for Christ, our pascal lamb, offered upon the tree;

He did not seek His rightful place but suffered willingly.

King of your people, King of love, thank you for giving life;

Born of your free and sov’reign will, born of the Spirit’s light.

Thank you for eyes and ears anew by which to taste the Christ;

Make us to treasure Him within even in darkest night.

Ruler of nations, Risen One! Thank you for being hope

To ev’ry people, tribe and tongue, let everyone rejoice!

Thank you for life beyond the grave, Jesus, the Great Firstborn;

Shepherd your sheep to pastures green until we reach our home!

Why Study Biblical Greek and Hebrew

Since coming to Bethlehem Seminary I've often received the question from friends and family, "Why do you need to study Greek/Hebrew?" My simplistic answer has always been that it allows me to go deeper into the text and be more confident when teaching from it. But last week our Old Testament professor, Dr. Jason DeRouchie, gave a special lecture for the whole church body regarding why it is important for some Christians (especially leaders) in every generation to learn the Biblical Languages. For the curious, here are his main points:

"The good hand of his God was on him, because Ezra set his heart to study and to practice the Torah of Yahweh

and to teach both statute and rule in Israel." (Ezra 7:9b-10)

1) Using these languages exalts Jesus and affirms the wisdom of God in giving us his Word in a book. (i.e.-God gave His Word in these languages)

2) Using the biblical languages enables one to observe more accurately and thoroughly, evaluate more fairly, understand more clearly, and interpret more confidently the inspired details of the biblical text.

3) Using the Biblical Languages allows one to use more efficiently and evaluate more fairly the best secondary tools for biblical interpretation.

4) Using the Biblical languages fosters a depth of character, commitment, conviction, and satisfaction in life and ministry that results in a validated witness in the world.

5) Using the Biblical Languages provides a warranted boldness, a sustaining freshness, and a more articulated, sure, and helpful witness to the Truth in preaching and teaching.

6) Using the Biblical Languages equips us to defend the gospel and to hold others accountable more confidently.

7) Using the Biblical Languages helps preserve the purity of the gospel and a joyful glorifying of God by his Church into the next generation.

Conclusion: Hebrew and Greek are morally neutral realities that can be used for good or ill, yet they are fixed and do not change with time thereby help us to have a steady place to stand in the ever shifting cultures and times.

(All of this was said in an great attitude of humility recognizing the great and powerful value of having the Bible in every heart-language of all peoples. Yet he did not shy away from the call to church leaders - especially future pastors/teachers - to know and use these God given tools!)

Fully Formed

So, everyday Rachel gets these little electronic updates on her homepage concerning "the little one". Just the other day she happily announced that our baby it fully formed. Wow! In just three short months and weighing in at only 2 1/2 inches long the baby is fully formed. How is such a thing possible!

"If I say, 'Surely the darkness shall cover me, and the light about me be as night,'

Even the darkness is not dark to you; the night is bright as the day,

for darkness is as light with you.

For you formed my inward parts; you knitted me together in my mother's womb.

I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made." (Ps. 139:11-14)

Our church memorized this whole psalm a few months ago but these verses have taken on new meaning recently. As the Psalmist meditates on struggling through darkness he thinks about the darkest place imaginable, the womb. And in that place of utter darkness God does some of his greatest work of creation. If it only take 3 months for Him to form a child in absolute darkness how much more can He do right now as we walk in the light!

On the Way...6/12/10

So, the strangest things have been happening lately. First, we start getting these unique packages in the mail (like the one on the right). Then Rachel starts waking up in the morning and feeling all queasy. So, finally we go to the doctor and they send her home with some pre-natal vitamins. And today she tells me that she wants to go shopping for some new pants because hers are feeling a little to tight! What's going on!?!

OK, that's not how it actually happened but it can feel that confusing at times. That's right, come June 12, 2010 there's gonna be another Leman joining us in the world!! And there's gonna be a new mommy, a new daddy, new grandparents, great-grandparents, and lots of new aunts and uncles. All from one little baby, wow!

So, needless to say, we're pretty excited and are learning a lot as we wait expectantly for that day to arrive. It's so much fun to see Rachel get excited as one of her dreams is about to come true. And me, well I'm trying to adjust to the idea of being a dad! Whew! Lot's gonna be changing but we're trusting our Father to watch over us. Just last week in class we were studying the name of God, Yahweh, "He who causes to be". We are confident that this little gift is directly from Him and by His grace we'll grow into our new roles with much joy.

Quick Q's -

-No, we're not going to find out the gender (mommy's preference)

-Yes, we have names picked out already

-No, you can't know!

-Yes, I think it's a boy

-Yes, she thinks it's a girl

-Yes, I think I'm right...

OK, we'll stop there. More stories to come. Hopefully we'll be able to use this space to keep you up to date and I'm also planning to post more about my insights from learning in this church-based setting. Thanks for your prayer, we need them!

Stirred Up!

Don't you love to be stirred up! The Spirit of God taking something and moving your spirit to worship, to wonder, to action; moving you such that the ashes of this life are shaken off and you feel the weight of eternity. So often I feel the sluggishness of the world weighing on my soul and then the Spirit comes in conjunction with the Word and stirs me up. I've been experiencing that a lot lately and it's no wonder. Lots of friends have asked us why we're here at Bethlehem Seminary, why we're putting ourselves through another 4 years of school and training. Simple Answer: so that we might be prepared to stir up God's people by the Word as the Spirit is pleased to bless it! We don't know where, we don't know how, we don't know the context, we don't know the roles...but we know that this is His purpose in bringing us here.

Here's a reading from my textbook that stirred me up today:

"Proclaiming the Word must be restored, because all the evidence shows that the churches are filled with people who so not know doctrine or Scripture - and many of them are hungry for teaching! No matter how the ministry of the Word is developed in the life of the worshipping community, when the people assemble for a full worship service with Holy Communion, the risen Christ must be lifted up in the eyes of the people and glorified through it...And the Spirit of God will burn the Word of God into the hearts and minds of the devout so that their loyalties will be renewed and the worship enriched.” (Ross. Recalling the Hope of Glory, p.430)

Life-Guard II

Wow! In two days, two jobs! Rachel just had two phenomenal interviews for jobs as aquatics instructors/lifeguards at a YMCA and Foss Swim-School. Both asked her to come teach with them and we are glad. Like the pouring rain outside my classroom come down the mercies of the Lord at this time. Thank you for your prayers!

Desiring God Conference

This past weekend I was able to attend the DG National Conference called Calvin in the Theater of God as we celebrated the Biblical vision of God cast through the life of John Calvin. But the conference wasn't about Calvin at all, it was all about God. Any doubts you can just listen to the last message Pastor John gave on Sunday morning. Check it out, all the video and downloads are free! And may you be blessed with a greater and more glorious vision of Jesus Christ!

http://www.theaterofgod.com/summary

Life-Guard

I feel overwhelmed with work these days, and glory! Oh to have time to sit and reflect on these wonders that wash over me everyday! God be praised!

May the shortness of this post bless you nonetheless. Life-Guard, what do you think of when you hear the word? Probably someone in a red swimsuit sitting on a tall white chair near a pool of water, right? Sun-glasses, sun-screen, sun-visor...the works. Well, when Rachel and I think about that term we cannot help but think of our good God.

"Though I walk in the midst of trouble,

your preserve my life;

you stretch out your hand against the wrath of my enemies,

and your right hand delivers me."

Our Life-Guard has been so good to us in these recent days. Rachel has a string of interviews that she is going through right now, day after day! Wow! Silence for so long and now the stream continues to roll over us and we are overwhelmed! Thank you for your prayers, continue to join us as we wait on the Lord for his provision.

Oh, and their all for job interviews looking for a good life-guard.

Band of Brothers

Every Monday and Thursday these are the 14 other guys I spend all day with. Right now we're wrestling through Paul's Greek in Ephesians 1:3-14, crafting our understanding of corporate worship, and nailing down important background issues to studying the Pentateuch. Whew! Sounds like a lot of work - challenging but glorious.

I love the cooperative attitude in our classes. There is no competition here, we're soldiers of Christ in training together and helping each other along. Each guy in this picture is dealing with unique challenges and struggles as this seminary pathway opens up to each of us. Would you take a moment and pray for each one - then for us as a whole. Thank you!

The Mighty Hand of God

Just came from chapel, a joyful experience each week when we come together as students, apprentices, and faculty to exult in those truths we're learning in class! Today we were led in the word by a brother who ably communicated the wonder and weight of I Peter 5:6-7.

"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time he may exalt you, casting all your anxieties upon him, because he cares for you."

Trials and suffering in this life must be view and responded to in the right way: 1) They are from the mighty hand of God! All of them, without exception, he ordains our pain and suffering in this life. And here we echo Job's cry, "The Lord gives and the Lord takes away, blessed be the name of the Lord!" 2) God's plan in this pain is to remove pride from our lives, to humble us; what a mercy that is! But we, in the power of the Holy Spirit, must respond and humble ourselves. Here is our opportunity to make the most of suffering in this life - humble ourselves under His mighty hand!

Oh, there was so much more but I'll leave it at that for now. We are certainly under his almighty hand these days, surrendered to his will, calling on Him to help us, to save us, and all our hope is in Him. Let me just recount the ways since school began:
-Rachel's had 3 job interviews!
-On our first day of orientation we were given a miniature library from Desiring God since we would need numerous resources they print in our next 4 years of study!
-We found out that we can pay our tuition in increments (no interest) which frees up funds for other necessities.
-A gift in the mail from someone who wanted to bless us as we seek to be faithful to God's call on our lives.
-Rachel and I were invited to someone's lake-home over labor day to relax and be refreshed.
-Numerous times my manager at work has saved "sample" food for me - I smile and pray "thank you Lord!" (we're still eating, don't be too alarmed, in this I mean to draw attention to the fact that God can provide us everything, anytime!)
-When we were at a difficult time looking for jobs I simply prayed, "Lord, give us a phone call" and 30 seconds later a friend called with two employment opportunities for Rachel. (30 seconds, really)

I could go on longer and deeper into the many internal mercies of the Lord these days, how he is humbling us and in his mercy making us utterly dependent on him! Rachel is officially on day 41 of her job search and with all her encouragements has still yet to hear back with an actual job offer. We continue to thank you for your prayers and ask that they continue. School has been wonderful thus far!! It is so encouraging to be in class with many like minded guys, to grow in skills that allow us to dig deeply into God's word, and to pursue the glory of God among all the nations together! But, more on school next time. Thanks for your faithful support as you keep up with us and pray. May the Lord bless you today as you live under his mighty hand.

#6

Before we left Illinois we were overwhelmed by the gifts and well-wishes of our friends. It was truly a mercy to us that God is reminding us of everyday! I know the scriptures say that His mercies are new every morning, and that is certainly true, but past mercies are also active and reasons for thanksgiving. And what reminded me of this most was song #6.

A good friend gave me a CD before I left for Minneapolis. It was by some of my favorite artists and the general theme was "the perseverance of the saints in tough times." As I listened to it for the first time I ask the Lord, "are these songs intended to meet me now or sometime in the future?" And then we moved. For the first few weeks as we were learning our way around the city, the CD sat in our car and was unheard. But this week, as we wait eagerly for the Lord to provide a job for Rachel, it came out and this is what I heard...

You have ordained every breath we take
I pleasure or pain there is no mistake
Gladness and grief, both are in your hand
And sufferings brief carry out Your plan
And our fleeting sorrows will yield an endless prize
When some bright tomorrow we see you with our eyes, and

Grace upon grace flows down, flows down
Through the precious blood of Christ!

What do you do in the middle of a situation that is entirely out of your hands? Well, basically we either curse God or bless Him. And what a mercy this song has been in helping me bless the Lord. These "fleeting sorrows" are for some bigger purpose in our lives. This "pain" and "grief" are grace, grace flowing down from Jesus Himself! Oh, how we must bless the Lord for all His gracious purposes for soon they will yield an "endless prize" that will far outweigh all their pain.

Thank you for your prayers on our behalf. As we wait patiently for the Lord we know that He will incline his ear and hear our cry, he will lift us out at just the right time. So, as you pray for his provision and his soverign work in our lives, thank him for his mercies - past and present!

If you want to hear the song - it's #6 http://www.sovereigngracemusic.org/albums/category/sovereign_grace_music/come_weary_saints

P.S.-Rachel just got an email about a job interview! Thank You Father!

Our New Home

So, many of your are probably wondering what our new place in Minneapolis looks like. Well, here is a batch of photos to introduce you to our new world. We hope to put up some pics with people we know sooner-or-later we are just not very good at remembering to take a camera everywhere. Enjoy!

ABOVE :: Our new living room with our few Turkish accents prominently displayed. And here is our desk where I'll be spending multiple hours a day starting next week!

LEFT :: Rachel's new pride and joy - a kitchen with countertops, dishwasher and a garbage disposal :-) The first few weeks the disposal sounded like a hungry bear underneath the counter, since then we've had a new one installed!

LEFT :: Our place of rest, and all the furniture fits this time! The only air-conditioner is in our bedroom but it drowns out the noise of traffic at night when we're sleeping.

BELOW :: The view from our bay window - The MPLS skyline and the Metrodome. The tallest building in the picture -Capella Tower (with the fan on top - is next to where my Starbucks is located in the downtown.

LEFT :: Our new church home, Bethlehem Baptist Downtown Campus. There are three campuses, one in the northern and one in the southern suburbs. You can see the sanctuary on the left and the building connected to it is offices, educations space, and the home of my seminary! This is just around the corner from our apartment and we're already beginning to wear a path between the two.

Memorize the Bible!!

Can I put in a little plug here, "memorize the bible!" After I left the library yesterday I was feeling rather downcast. Maybe it was because we had spent hours looking for jobs added to the heat & humidity on my bike ride home but when I got home I had no resolve left.

Since we've been tracking with this move to MPLS (Minneapolis) and Bethlehem Baptist we've been doing the church-wide scripture memory program. Every week we end the announcement time/begin the service with a recitation of that week's verses. Our first week at BBC we began memorizing Psalm 139 (and will continue through October memorizing the whole psalm!!). So, by now we're up to verse 5...

Anyways, when I got home last night we prepared dinner and ate it thankfully. After dinner we recite that weeks verses to each other and think about it in prayer. Let me show you how it lifted my gloom: (the mercy of the Lord)

• LAST WEEK -"O Lord, you have search me and known me; you know when I sit down and when I rise up, you discern my thoughts from afar. You search out my path and my lying down and are aquainted with all my ways." What a crazy week that was: moving to MPLS, starting a new job, find our way around the city - and he searched out every path beforehand! We have give thanks over this truth many times a day!


• THIS WEEK-"Even before a word is on my tounge, behold, O Lord, you know it altogether. You hem me in behind and before and you lay your hand upon me." What a declaration and what a promise, he is always with us, he will always provide. It's a little unsettling to know that every doubtful thought and every hopeless sigh is seen by our Father before it even escapes our heart. Fearful even! Yet should we not fear him, fear him more than that which cause the doubt and the sigh. O Lord, search us and help us know ourselves that we might be more conformed to this image of your son Jesus Christ! Let your hand rest powerfully upon us that we might feel your strength and be kept believing always. O Lord, we truly are yours. AMEN

So, friends, this is what took place as we were memorizing the bible and this word has been with me all day. Won't you join us in this quest? May His word abide in you!

A Wild Goose Chase

The busy sound of clicking is in my ears as I type this at the Minneapolis Central Library. We've been here for many hours now posting application after application all over the Web. While we are so thankful that I have a job at Starbucks, we're about ready to see if Rachel should don the green apron too! She's worked tirelessly over the past few days getting her name out there on the web, calling places to follow up applications, and searching out new possibilities while I'm steaming milk for someone's $4 triple grande 3 pump vanilla nonfat no-foam extra-hot latte.

When we moved here it was with the understanding that the Nanny Agency she had applied to would have interviews ready (like they said). Since we've arrived all her calls have been greeted rather casually and no interviews have surfaced. Obviously this was an episode of mis-communications but one that is unfortunately very detrimental!

So, please pray for us as we continue this search. It feels like a wild goose chase because in a big city like this the application process seems very impersonal. It was only today that we found a few applications for a swim instructor and the website invited us to return the application in person! WOW!! So, here's our first list of requests for those of you supporting us through prayer.

• For perseverance and patience in this process, it can be very discouraging.
• For a job to surface soon, especially before Marcus begins school in 2 weeks.
• For us to make the best use of time otherwise in acclimating to this new city.
• For joyful and deep connections among our new faith family, Bethlehem Baptist.

Thank you for your prayers!

Donning the Green Apron (Again)


I'm quite sure that as you read this at least a few of you are sitting there with a cup of coffee in your hand. And it is not unlikely that your coffee was blended and sold by the world-renown purveyor of fine coffee found on most city street corners. It's that happy third place where you go to hang out with friends or be by yourself or just dart in and out for a mid-morning "pick me up". Ah, yes, Starbucks!


Rachel and I have been in Minneapolis for 10 days now and I've spent four of those in a green apron. It felt good to make my first latte again and hand it to a customer with a smile. But right now after an eight hour shift...I'm just tired! But I'm also very thankful that in such a short time the Lord provided my with employment. So, I'm the one wearing a smile most days at Starbucks!

Winter Days Are Here Again

So, no matter what anyone may tell you, winter it here! When I have to go outside and face skin-piercing winds, blinding flurries, and 3 inches of snow on my car, it's winter. Today wasn't that bad though, by Mid-Western standards. I worked up a pretty good sweat clearing the driveway but we're still in the "fun phase". You know, when snow is still magical, shovelling isn't a chore, hot chocolate and furry slippers seem like novelties once more. Here's my question, why do these things lose their appeal so fast?

Seriously, the snow won't be any heavier, wetter, or colder in February than it was today. Even though february winds move from skin piercing to bone piercing, what changes in our minds and hearts so that suddenly snow and cold are evil? Just a question, maybe we need new eyes to see the magic all year round? Maybe we need more endurance to face the tough reality all year round? Maybe we need both!

I'm inclined to think the later and to pray for that weird combination in myself: the joyful wonder of a child everyday mixed with the battle-hardened steely discipline of a veteran soldier. Can they co-exist, I sure hope so because that's what gets us through the winter here in the Mid-West, and that's what will get us through the race of life! Lord, grant us steely discipline and joyful wonder everyday that we might more glorify you in thought, word, and deed.

* * * * *

Rachel and I just got back from a Thanksgiving holiday at her parent's house. I learned all kinds of fun and useful things, like:

1) When hunting deer for 4 hours in the freezing cold, don't unload until you're out of the woods, they may be closer than you think!

2) When hanging a deer for skinning, volunteer to tie the knot so you don't have to hold it up!

3) When carrying firewood, make sure you leave the house door open!

4) When lighting a fire, light the smaller pieces first, trust me it's a lot faster!

5) When clothes shopping with your wife, stop browsing while she's trying things on otherwise you'll get the awkward question, "can I help you?"

Marathon of A Fall

The crowds were packing the sidewalks, the cheer was deafening! I turned the final corner of the Chicago Marathon, only 0.2 miles left to go, and it was all uphill. "Uphill!" I thought, "who plans a Marathon course that ends uphill?"

For all my fright the last hill was not that bad. But the whole course of events since we arrived back from Turkey has been a sort of Marathon in our hearts. First there was the reverse culture shock, then sorting through feelings of loss; we had to restart our lives again from restocking the shelves to renewing relationships; then there was work and school to attend to, ha! Well, we made it through that first month and the emotions settled. But after that point we found ourselves on a different part of the course.

We found ourselves on our knees questioning God about the future, our next steps. The vision that once seemed bright and clear was now cloudy and dark, like a storm rolling over the race course and we had nowhere to run and hide. I the silence of those months it seemed like our dreams were shattered and that even our relationship was beginning to tear at the freshly stitched seams. But, God is good.

At the end of some very difficult days we're emerging with a fresh vision, some new excitement. Marcus is applying to a seminary that's very difficult to get into but seems to be a perfect fit for us right now. It would be a chance to get more training, grow stronger together, begin ministering together since Rachel will be done with school, and time to seek God about the next step. We're currently at a loss, does He want us overseas or staying as mobilizers? But our hope is that 4 years of seminary would not only give us time to hear Him answer but also be more prepared for when the vision is clear again.

We'll let you know how it goes!

(Oh, and Marcus has to learn 2 semesters worth of Greek by July, yikes!! - pray for him)

Round-About

After a long hot day with no air conditioning Rachel and I would trudge down the main street to our bus stop. On numerous occasions it included the humerous exchange:

R::"If we move here can we get one of those fun little motorscooters? Pleeeeease?"

M::"We'll have to see where we're living then?"

R::"So we can get one?"

M::"We'll have to see but you know they're not very good family cars."

R::"Oh...yeah...but maybe just one for me then!"

And on and one it went until the bus can squeaking down the street to pick us up and jostle us to our apartment. After our trans-atlantic flight and sitting up all night in the London airport, those busses don't seem to have such a terrible memory though! But now we're back, in a round-about sort of way. We spent this past weekend up in Canada at a wedding, in Michigan presenting our summer at FBC-SJ, and now we're in two separate locations for the first time in two months. So, though I'm home and Rachel's at her childhood home, we still don't feel like we've totally arrived yet. Soon...

Let me do two things with the remainder of this post:

1) recount our last few days of the summer

2) give some of our initial feelings upon being home (more to come)

We left off at the beginning of our last week, a week that turned out to be an intensely eye-opening bitterseet span. Our English students had to cancel on us for the last two classes. Rachel kept up working in the cafe but I was only allowed a few opportunities to meet with my tutoring students. I was preparing a sermon for sunday morning worship while Rachel worked on the packing. We wandered the streets of the city one last time, shopping and enjoying the richness of the setting. We even took two days to celebrate our anniversary at a nearby resort hotel (with a waterpark at Rachel's request!) But most of all the last week was about relationships...the real reason it's hard to leave. For all that we love about the culture and cuisine, there are substitutes here in the states. But for all those whom we love in the culture there are no substitutes.

Thus, upon arriving home there is a great sense of loss. It's the loss you feel when someone dear to you passes away because you can't have them back. It's the loss you feel when life circumstance change without your ability to stop them: a family move, a sudden job change or loss, a freind or co-worker who moves on to something else. It's that something you came to count on everyday which is now out of your life forever (or so it seems). It may be years before we are able to return but the loss feels permanent and needs to be grieved.

Meanwhile, life goes on all around us and often has but scant time to bear out our losses. So, we carry them to the Divine Ear that so graciously bows itself down to hear us at all times. Thank you for carrying our requests there all summer, keep checking back in future days for more of our post-return ponderings. Until then may your good-work be full of fruit and your spirits full of wisdom and joy in the King.

M&R

We're Back...(well almost!)

After a week on the road we've made it home away from home away from home...(you get the picture)...we slept on two buses, a very soft bed in Central Turkey, and a little bungalo near the beach. Now we're back in our apartment in Lara for one final week. So, let's recap the week...

Day 1 (our first anniversary)

Our bus pulled into the otogar at 800am, three hours early! We napped, visited, napped, visited with Turks, and fell asleep.

Day 2

We drove over the ancient volcano, Erciyes, we found a...well Rachel can describe it below! Then we proceeded to a nearby town to give Rachel experience rug shopping. No pressure to buy, no plan either, she picked the best in the shop :-) I guess it makes up for spending our first anniversary on an overnight bus!

Day 3

We began our day separately, I at the barber shop and in the "old" neighborhood with the guys; Rachel was at the mall with the girls. More visiting with Turks and with our hosts, then another overnight bus!

Day 4-6

From one bus to another, from that bus to a packed van. Finally we arrived at Olympos, the beach we began our trip camping on. (mulberries, yuck!) This time we stayed in a small wooden bungalo near the beach, attended retreat meetings, got to know people, helped with childcare, and swam in our freetime. We got up one morning to watch the sunrise: Rachel from a kayak, me on a run. We saw the ruins of ancient Olympos, learned about Paul's travelling teams, and learned more about long-term living here.

So, now we're back! One more week of language learning, teaching, and open eyes... Thanks for your support over this past week, we certainly felt it!

More soon, M&R

"Follow the yellow-brick road..."

Munchkins, witches, and that little dog too! If you've never been out of the country then you probably wouldn't know the extent to which American cinema has invaded the world. A few weeks back I saw a clip from the adventure in "Oz" and the song hasn't left my head...(help!)

12 days ago Rachel and I moved into with a Turkish family I had met two years ago. What an amazing and challenging cultural experience. The man of the house spoke good English, wife and son-zero! A quick summary: all Turkish food, swallowing second hand smoke, sleeping without air conditioning, going for days without a shower, personal space restrictions, late night hours, and seeking to keep our spiritual lives on track with little personal "alone" time. But through it all we had some great experiences: my late night talks with the man of the house, Rachel cooking American/Turkish food with the lady of the house, creating a spiderman costume for their son (2), teaching them to play "pig" (a card game), and smiling/laughing when we just couldn't communicate. We still have much to reflect on together...

The past two days we moved back to our original apartment, now all alone here, for a dose of "American-ness": a good shower, an Italian dinner, cranking up the stereo, ________ (you fill in the blank). After "going Turkish" for so long we just needed a bit of normal. We helped lead the worship service again this morning (Rachel played a great flute duet with a church member). It was a wonderful time in God's presence with God's people setting our minds and hearts on the King again. And it's wonderful to have tea-time after church seeing other believers you may go the whole week without seeing!!

And now we're off again, bags packed, tickets in hand for an overnight bus-ride to a nearby city. We'll be visiting with a couple of "friends" there and seeing what life is like in a smaller, more conservative setting (Antalya is kind of like Miama!). In fact, this whole week we'll be spending most of our time with "foreigners" who live & work here. Our goal is talking through what it looks like to live here, what we may need to do in these next few years to prepare, and to encourage them as well. Basically, we're taking time to talk with people further down the yellow-brick road and get their perspective. We don't know where ours leads just yet but trust the Father's direction. Would you ask him specifically this week to be guiding our thoughts and conversations in such a way as to clarify and not confuse, to confirm and not contradict. We are so grateful for your support in this way.

May He continue to guide each of you in the Way, setting your gaze firmly ahead not straying to the right or the left. Blessings until we're able to udate again.

M&R

P.S.-Tomorrow is our first anniversary...waking up on a bus!!

Favorites

Ice Cream: Marco Polo Chocolate & Arabian Nut (R), Marco Polo Orange & Vanilla (M)
Drinks: Starbucks Iced Mocha Latte (R), Apple Tea (R), Tea (M), Schweppes Bitter Lemon Soda (M)
Foods: Turkish Pilaf - Rice (R), Tavuk Shish (R), Simits (R), Lentil Soup (M), Kumpir - Stuffed Potatoes (M)
Places: The Beach (R), Our swimming hole (R), The park near Paul's Place (M), Starbucks (R/M), Our Italian Restaurant (R/M)
Activities: Practicing Turkish in the kitchen (R), Cooking (R), Grocery Shopping (M) Early Morning Runs (M), Romantic walks along the cliffs (R/M)
People: Enes - the chef, Soner - the internet cafe guru & Marcus' tutor, Avery - our short-term guide, Hayri - the beloved security guy, Danny - our sunday morning pianist, Nazan - our most eager student

Maybe it's just because I'm reading through the Pentatuch now or maybe it's because of the heat but I find myself eager and able to complain at a moment's notice. As Israel wandered through the wilderness their clothes never wore out, they never lacked food or water, they were never lost or withour protection, and they had the presence of God all along the way. But they complained and complained and complained!! The Lord even heard their grumblings they uttered within their tents. This was not open rebellion but a low, slow murmer that began to permeate the whole camp. We find ourselves in the same place, everything provided and yet easy to complain.

So, everyday we talk on the way home about our "favorite" thing that day: a conversation, a new experience, an insight, a chocolate & arabian nut ice cream cone... With three weeks left in this internship we've battled through the dark clouds of complaint and have broken through to fresh open spaces of joy. Colossians 1 again, "May you be strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy..." That's our request and our desire for each of you as well.

Out of the Comfort Zone

Are you aware of yours? It's a bit hard to define and a bit of a personal subject, but we all have one. Unfortunately we don't realize how much we depend on it until we're pushed out of it's peaceful confines! It's people & places, sounds & smells, preferences & privacy, and on and on...

We're certainly out of our comfort zones now but have the most reassuring peace about it. It's the point on the roller coaster when your stomach stops fluttering and starts to soar with the ride. We are so happy to finally be at that point because the fluttering was wearing on us day after day. We're still uncomfortable at times but this peace is greater than the discomfort.

The host home we're living in now is quite a ride! Every morning we're confronted with the uncomfortable question: "What's for breakfast?" Every conversation we're confronted with the uncomfortable reality: "I can't speak to them even if I wanted to!" Every time their child starts screaming we're confronted with the uncomfortable presence: "Maybe if I just watch the T.V. it will be like I'm not here." And everyday brings new uncomfortable experiences like this that we're gladly and peacefully embracing.

Sheref & Fatosh just moved into their new apartment 5 days ago, we moved in 2 days ago, and we're all still setting up house. Rachel's helping with the cooking, cleaning, and dishes; I'm available for the heavy moving but more for babysitting. (Their two-year old son is a joyful handful!!!) We sleep with a fan at night to avoid the heat & smokiness, we shower in the half-put-together bathroom with a hand spigot, and we eat foods that would not be our normal choices. (Rachel is doing great, I'm so proud of her! 4 slices of tomato for breakfast, eggs, watermelon, tea, tea, tea, -with lots of sugar for sure- and some new syruppy desserts.)

Well, as we enjoy the roller coaster we're constantly forced back to the reason we're doing this. Not for thrills or notches in the belt, not for adventure's sake or accomplishment...but this is for the name and fame of our King. So, to whatever extent you need to jump on board and get out of your comfort zone, this is a great reason to leave it behind. Until next time, enjoy the ride...

Pardon Our Dust...We're Moving!!

We apologize that we've not written as of late, our access to the internet has been a bit more constricted. On top of that we've been busy, surprise, surprise! Some days we're functioning in Turkish mode (more relaxed, take it as it comes) and some days in American mode (have a plan and run with it). The past few days have been a mixture of both, wow!

Yesterday we made the move to our new residence (With a Turkish Family; July, weeks 1&2). Upon moving our suitcase I returned to the cafe to bring Rachel along - it was kind of an American day for her! So, we decided to be a bit American: grab flowers, a couple pizzas, and call before we came. Well, all should have worked to plan except that I got us lost...yes, lost. We took the wrong mini-bus and ended up on the edge of town. After a cell-phone call and a taxi ride we arrived with some cold pizza and mildly wilted flowers, but it was a fun evening with this couple. (We'll write more about them later)

This was a very Turkish morning though: wake up whenever, have breakfast whenever, clean up at leisure, think of something that needs doing and do it! So, we helped unpack boxes, build a wardrobe, and enjoyed the experience. We'll get you another update soon but for now we're going Turkish :-) (Prayers appreciated!)

PIC-The daily tools of our language trade: beginner's book, notebook, dictionary, lesson planer

A Sabbath Rhythm

One HUGE difference between a short-term trip and living somewhere for an extended period of time is the rhythm. Instead of all our efforts being bent towards a specific project or sightseeing, one must abide by the natural order of life in their new locale. From grocery shopping to exercise, private devotion and corporate worship; rhythmic markers in our lives cannot be overlooked for two-months!

Maybe this is on my mind because I'm doing lots of reading on the old covenant these days and this rhythm of life is predominant, "Six days you are to work and the seventh is a day of rest and remembrance, holy to the Lord." How much wisdom there is in this command! Even a machine that is left to run continuously will wear out and break-down. How much more so for human beings made in the image of our all wise Maker. We need time for maintenance & correction, meditation & reflection otherwise we're likely to go off course and have a long route back to the narrow way! The Father gave us 7-day periods to work, rest, reflect and begin again. We would be wise to keep to that rhythm.

As we have reached the half-way point of our time here we spent this weekend in reflection over the past month and anticipating the next. The past weeks have been filled with language & culture lessons, excursions, ESL lessons, and surprises (all Turkish style - i.e. "however it seems to happen"). The next few weeks will get more intense and more intentional: moving in with a Turkish family, visiting with fellow workers in the area, and giving ourselves more to prayer for the Father's vision. In our reading together these days our focus has been the parable of the Vine and how the Vinedresser prunes in order to get more fruit. Pray with us through this important time of vision and discernment.

Well, it's off to the beach now! It's about 15 miles away, the picture at hand shows why we do little swimming near our apartment. We'll be doing some "Bump, Set, Spike" with our Turkish brothers and sisters. We've been so lovingly welcomed and invited by them on various occasions, may tonight be another chance for rejoicing together.

Until next time, we're so glad for your love and support.

(P.S.-Germany won 3-2 in the 90th minute, they got the last second "miracle" this time! We were there wearing our red and white though "Kirmizi - Beyaz")

What a Cut! My Day at the Kuafor...

My first international hair cut ever! I have to say that I was a litle nervous. Taking a look around at some of the European hairstyles made me a little bit scared. All worked out though!

The first thing they did was wash my hair and gave me a little scalp massage. That was wonderful! Next came the cut. He (They are all men!) took off about 4 inches total. He started with the bangs. Somewhat short for my taste, but they will grow. Then he gave me this great length all the way around and added on a few layers. Turned out very good. Finally, the styling part came along. How Wonderful! they blow dry your air and style it! It is so relaxing that you could fall asleep if you wanted to.

It was a great experience and one that I reccomend to all. You never know what you might get!!! ;-)

Çay, Kahve, and the Café

Affectionately known as Paul's Place, this café serves as our center for daily activity. As the only barista on shift everyday, Rachel is quickly picking up all sorts of useful Turkish phrases and going way beyond that! Monday she was cooking up a storm: Lentil stew over noodles, Turkish vegetable salad, and her (now "world famous") chocolate cake. She did a great job but has enjoyed getting back to the normal "Çay istermusin?" (Would you like some tea?)

It's a cultural experience to sit around and just observe at times. We often do this at home, it's called "people watching". (You know who you are out there!) But in another culture it takes on a whole new dimension because you may think you understand the situation you observe but in reality it's totally different. Take this morning, for example...

I'm sitting in the garden planning an English lesson. A group of foreigners and Turks come sit at my table with their breakfast pastries. A Turkish friend of mine turns to me and offers some..."no, thanks"..."no, try some"..."no, thanks"..."really, you're not hungry"..."no, but thank you". Most would assume this a bit pushy and even rude. My friend quickly explained though that all Turks offer at least three times and most Turks receiving will not take it until the third offer. Ha! Good to know.

This is our way to stay out of the sun from 11:00-3:00 and learn the Turkish language and culture and it is an amazing privilege. So, the next time you're out people watching at Starbucks or the mall, stop and ask yourself "why do we do that?" You might just learn something new about your own culture.

A Brief Musing

Wrote this to my brother today, thought it might be helpful for all of you to read as well:

Hey Andrew,

Hope all is well with you and that you have a good journey back to the states soon. Amazing that you're time is almost up, ours will soon be as well! This intership's been a lot different than mine in 2006. For one we've really been learning more about what it's like to live here: cooking for ourselves, shopping at pazar weekly, using public transportation, learning and using Turkish as much as is possible, fighting mental/spiritual/physical exhaustion in the heat, trying to work on and encourage our marriage amid all this "newness", and on and on... This makes a two-week trip seem like a vacation and my past two-month internship seem like an adventure. This is giving us a better taste of what long-term life and work may be like here and it's just plain hard-work sometimes!! And I'm not complaining, just being honest. When your language ability has been reduced to that of a two-year old yet you're expected to live like an adult it can be frustrating and exhilarating all at the same time!

Maybe you're experience has been similar, maybe more like mine two years ago. I don't know, can't wait to debrief with you in August sometime before school starts. Press on until then!

Running with you,
Marcus

Turkiyeeeeee!!

For those of you who know me (Marcus), I don't stay up late at night! So, on various occasions when I do violate my "bedtime" it is for a very good reason. Rachel, on the other hand, is glad to stay up late, any reason will do well for her :-) But Friday night was reason enough for both of us: Turkey v. Croatia (Eurocup 2008 Quarterfinals)!

So there we were, the only two foreigners crammed into my friend's cafe, huddled around the TV screen. My friend has a nice cafe, but it was hot and stuffy yet no one seemed to mind. You see, for most of the world soccer is the sport of choice. (In Antalya there are whole newspapers that only carry soccer news!!!) Yeah, people play basketball, beach volley, tennis, and other sports, but soccer has reached almost sacred proportions for those without the true deity. Well, it wasn't worship on Friday, but the atmosphere was electric when the game started.

Rachel was enjoying a smoothie during the first half, helped keep he engaged. The second half it was on to water and she began to wilt. The score was still zero-zero! 90 minutes burned and only 12 shots on goal, none scored. First overtime, no goals! Second overtime, no goals...until 1:19 minutes, Croatia scored on a cross-header combo. The room was dead silent. One minute to go and all hope was lost. People began to mill about, say their goodbyes and and 1:20+2 Turkey scored and impossible goal. The somber faces were suddenly alight with joy. People were dancing on the tables in the cafe (only 2 dishes broken), shouting, hugging, laughing, praising, "a miracle!" they said. (Turkey went on to win in PK's 3-1.)

Now if that isn't a cultural experience for you I don't know what is. As we walked home and discussed the night I realized something though. If I am to love these people I must love the things that they love. Not fanatical worship of a sport, far from it...but learn to enjoy their tastes, cheer for their football team in an important match, stay up late for something if they seem to think it's so important. Only then can we truly love them and become one with them and communicate a higher love. Wasn't this already done on our behalf? "The Word became flesh and dwelt among us..." Putting aside his heavenly tastes for our sake and live among us.

Well, after an American lunch today (ahem...McDonald's) I'm not feeling very Turkish. But it is food for thought. What am I willing to stay up late for and what should I learn to be willing to stay up late for.

Learning with you, Marcus & Rachel

(We've got Germany on Wednesday, another late night :-)

Adventures!.....

So as Marcus Said I am at home right now sick. Trying to figure out what is wrong with my body and why it doesn't like me. :-) Have you ever been gone from home sick just wishing that you could have chicken noodle soup or toast or your favorite comport food in your own bed? That's how I feel now. What I wouldn't give for saltine crackers!
Life has been very difficult here, but good. We are learning so much and listening for what we are supposed to do. It is not easy. especially on days when you are in bed or the bathroom constantly!
We have faced many adventures since we've been here. From: extreme runners and scary dogs, ridding on crazy buses where you learn to jump off fast, hiking in the mountains in flip flops trying not to break a leg, driving 9 canoes and stuff in a little pickup down switchback roads hoping no one is coming at you on the one way road, learning to like milk in a box, and shopping all on your own not knowing what your asking for! It has been an amazing adventure so far and we are looking forward to the rest that are coming. Soon it will all be over and we will be forging through the adventure of coming home again. We can't wait to share all of the stories with you.

Until we write again. Rachel

Run, Marcus, Run!

As many of you know, I am currently in training for the Chicago Marathon along with my brother Stephan. But, did you know that running is considered an extreme sport in Turkey? There are numerous reasons for such a qualification: bus drivers who seem to "aim" for pedestrians, small pathways that often force off-roading, numerous walkers that serve as cones to zig-zag around, intense heat & humidity that saps the life out of any who dare, and of course the dogs!

This morning I was on the return side of my 5 miles and within sight of home. At this point the pathway is very narrow forcing passers-by to use the road (look out for busses) or part of a gravel parking lot that is severly overgrown. The walker in front of me chose the road (ha!) so I chose the pathway in order to pass him. As I commited to my route I noticed a stray dog headed the opposite direction I was going. Like most dogs, he passed by harmlessly looking rather thin and sickly. I thought to myself, "I wonder what these strays eat around here?" As soon as I passed the dog I spied another sitting in the shade of an overgrown bush. He seemed rather docile as well, more intent on avoiding the sun than hassling joggers. Right!

1 foot away he sprang into action letting out a low growl. I thought, "OH, that's what they eat!" Not wanting to rile the beast I slowed to a walk making myself look as big as possible. He matched my pace and snarled some more and then I realized his "buddy" had turned around behind me. So now I'm trapped between two strays, a guardrail for the road, and a huge bush that needed some trimming. Great! But from the road I heard a voice "Hosh! Hosh!" My new walking friend whom I had just left in the dust came to my rescue. The dogs didn't seem too eager to challenge two "extreme athletes" and I was rescued. With a humble "sowl (thanks)" I continued on my way. I am currently in the process of locating a lead pipe to run with, until then I think I'll brave the busses!

* * *

Running to another note, Rachel and I are into our second full week in Turkey. Everyday is a new adventure with more than dogs to wrestle with. A hungry dog I can understand but sometimes the difficulties of cross-cultural living are too much. Rachel is very ill today with some stomach reaction to food, please remember her in your prayers. I'm still planning ESL lessons today from our apartment but it's tough to constantly know she is miserable. Hopefully it will pass as it did last week!

Every occasion is an opportunity to learn, to be here, to observe life in Turkey. In America, if you're sick you go grab some medecine at the pharmacy. How do you do that in another country when you only speak the language in a very basic way? Or worse, do you do anything since you don't know what's wrong? Opportunities to learn, opportunities to be here, opportunities...we're learning. We are quite confident that this summer is to be all about that. Not so much doing but being here and learning about life here. Paul prayed, "that [we] would be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding..." Ask this for us as we for you!

Well, till next time: never stop learning, never stop praying, and never stop running! (especially when being chased by hungry dogs or veering busses)

Do, Do, Do...

His purposes will ripen fast, unfolding every hour;

The bud may have a bitter taste, but sweet will be the flower.

-William Cowper

One thing you must know about Turkey are the relationships. Life here is not so much about productivity, being "on-time", or earning your place in society; it's about relationships. This is not to say that relationships are not important in America or the West. Of course not! How many lattes have you listened over or late night telephone calls have you made to use the "free" minutes? Of course relationships are important! What I am speaking of is the day to day lifestyle of the Turkish people. It's more like this, we are concerned about what we do and how well it's done, here the concern is about who does the work and how well the time is spent together. Or perhaps, we are concerned about how much is accomplished in an afternoon, here the concern is how much everyone benefited from the time.

In reality, we're still figuring this out. What does that mean for our English class? How should I go about tutoring in English? How shall I best serve tea all afternoon? Is it still OK to plan out my day by time or should I just "be flexible"? These are questions we're wrestling through right now. When feelings of uselessness arise or the urge to get out and "do" something takes over we have to ask, "is this the Spirit of God or just my cultural upbringing?" When the day has passed and you can barely point back to anything accomplished is that entirely wrong? Really?

We're living in that limbo now and wanted to clue you in to our struggle. We know that for the present we are meant to be here, meant to be learners, meant to be servants...but after that it's still quite a mystery. We're being available, we're learning about how we fit in here, and we're serving as opportunity arises.

May we all keep a learning ear heavenward lest we forget the mystery of our God!

"A Camping we have gone..."


Have you ever lain awake at night, eyes fixed beyond the confines of the ceiling wondering "what on earth am I doing here?" That was this past weekend as Rachel and I accompanied a group of international students on a camping trip. We drove an hour+ down the coast to a place near the ruins of Olympos and setup our tents in a mulberry patch. (which now are stuck all over the bottom of my shoes!) So, that first night I lay awake in a stifflingly hot tent that was too short for my legs to strech out and wondered...


Rachel and I have been in Turkey for 5 days now and only this morning did we both finally feel adjusted in body, mind, and spirit. Body: it's hot and humid here in Antalya; someone mentioned that God must have made it so beautiful here so that people can endure the summer! As we learn to shop and cook for ourselves, it feels like we're relearning everything, the most basic realities of life. And amid this I'm continuing my marathon training and we're looking for a way that Rachel can swim (it's all cliffs near our apartment so we need to find a way down to the sea). Mind: english, turkish, english, turkish, erkish, tuglish, ahhhh! I'm definately rusty and Rachel is making a valient effort as she works in the cafe. Lord willing my tutoring students will help me as much as I help them and Rachel is making a list every morning of words to practice thoughout the day. Spirit: being displaced and unsettled is very draining and makes us cling to the Word all the more. Getting on a schedule is helping but at this time we're learning what it is to "cry out to God". He is very good!


So, back to Olympos...we setup camp and headed to the beach (rock, pebble, and gravel). The boys enjoyed when I would launch them into the sea, taught them to skip stones, and then they began chasing "rubbish" up and down the surf. (I ended up carrying it back to the waste bin!) Then football/soccer, 3 on 1 (I was the 1), while the ladies worked on dinner, we did the dishes. Then a night hike up to see the sacred flames that come out of the mountain (methane gas reserves; did I mention all of this is in flip-flop sandals). The next day we explored the Olympos ruins and spent the whole day in the sun as the boys played. Rachel and I are still wearing some of the sun...ouch!



Well, we're expecting the unexpected and living each day for what God has in store. Thank you for your continued encouragement, we'll write again soon.

T-Minus 10...9...8...

The tickets are in hand, the suitcases are a mess, the ESL materials remain untouched, but our passports are nicely dusted off! Anyone who has spent considerable time out of the country will understand these routine struggles..."Do I want to wear this white shirt or blue shirt for the next two months?"..."How many pairs of shoes can I fit?"..."Do I really need this?" But it always comes back to that last question, the question of need.

It's hard to know what we need anymore, at least if you live in the United States of America. Don't turn on the T.V. or you might be persuaded of something new and exciting the you desperately need!! Or perhaps it's just the magazine rack in the checkout line convincing us of how we need to look or dress or eat or garden...!? Sometimes it is sheer madness but we've learned to live in such an environment.

When you live out of a suitcase for two-months it really makes you question all that. Especially when you get home and all those things you survived without for an extended period of time are suddenly at your disposal again. "Did I really need them afterall?" I think the question of what we really need is helpful for everyone to think through occasionally. It helps give purpose to all that we do, it frees up our resources for Kingdom purposes, and it helps us consider the wise command, "whatever you do,...do everything to the glory of God!"

T-Minus 10 days until summer departure, please remember us during this important time.

I think I'll take the blue shirt :-)

"Eager Feet"

The Road goes ever on and on down from the door where it began.
Now far ahead the Road is gone, and I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet, until it joins some larger way
Where many paths and errands meet. And whither then? I cannot say.[1]

Two years ago I returned from a summer internship and this poem described my final sentiments. Now I stand poised to make a similar journey to the same historic land but how incredibly my Road has changed. A college graduate, a married man, four very different jobs, and a only few steps further along in the path God has laid before my feet. Much has changed, yet much remains the same. The eager feet I wrote of upon my last return still burn to be out on the road. Though I know for a while the pathway lies stateside, the earnest will not go away. When shall it meet that "larger way", whither then I cannot say. But we are filled with great joy and hope for these next few months of our journey together.

I wonder though, what path is before your feet? Are you presently in the way and pursuing it eagerly or is it that you have set up camp for a while on the roadside? Are you pressing along as a foreigner and stranger in this world or as one who has forgotten about the homeland they journey to? I read just this morning,

"They were stangers and exiles on the earth. For people who speak thus make it clear that they are seeking a homeland. If they had been thinking of that land from which they had gone out, they would have had opportunity to return. But, as it is, they desire a better country, that is a heavenly one."

Everytime I leave my earthly home for another place I am reminded once again that it is not really a "home" at all. Pilgrims, strangers, exiles on the road to the eternal country have no true home but that one they pursue. All their affections, desires, and aims point to their place of destination and no stop along the way will satisfy them. No matter how cozy the inn or how comfortable the shade on the roadside, these are pale and cheap immitations of our home.

Let us do the work of stirring each other up along the way that each may pursue the path God has laid before them and thus not waste ours lives daydreaming in this world!

Now, let the journey begin... (June 2, 2008)

[1] Tolkein, J.R.R. The Lord of the Rings. Houghton: New York, NY. 1987. (p.35).