Day 12: 99.3%

99.3% 

The approximate percentage of Muslims in Turkey.

"To be a Turk is to be a Muslim."

This number leaves a ridiculously small percentage left to be divided among other religions represented in Turkey, and according to my research, Protestant Christians make up the smallest group. My regional director sent the team an email a few days ago with this staggering number. She also wrote, "I don't know that I have been to any nation before with such a small fellowship." 


I'm not going to lie - that is a bit overwhelming. 


I can only remember one occasion in my life where I was in the significant minority...and it was awkward...I felt like an outsider. 


What do I do when I am in the significant minority of nationality, religion, etc.? Yes, the people will be hospitable, but certainly there will be barriers. I don't speak their language. I don't fully understand what they believe. I don't know all the intricacies of their culture. What will I do?

100% 

The trust I have that this is where my Father is calling me for this coming year and that He will teach me immeasurably and use me inconceivably. 

Continuing my director's sentence from above, she also wrote that she is really excited for this new program in the Mediterranean (remember I am on a pioneering team - my organization has never sent teachers here before us) and is excited to continue to see the hand of God at work. 

In the process of signing contracts with schools overseas, building the team to teach next year, raising support, and going about day to day operations, the office staff, my team, and I have faced a significant amount of opposition, struggles, and temptation. It would seem as if we are fighting a spiritual battle and that the devil does not want us in this region. 

But the Father DOES want us there this next year! The 99.3% of Muslims in this region need to witness the love of Christ and they need to witness Christians living wholeheartedly for Him. We are only a team of 14, but what do numbers mean to our Father? We will live for JC and make an impact in our little corners of our cities.

Today, please ask for our courage and our perseverance. Less than .7% of a population is a very small number...but God is bigger! (He's bigger than the boogy man!) :-) He is stronger! Ask that as we prepare to move overseas and immerse ourselves in a new culture and language that we keep our focus on the One who is directing and leading us there. Ask for soft and ready hearts of those we will live near and those we will teach. 

99.3% is a big number...but our Father is bigger! Our Father is greater! Our Father is stronger!