A Teacher in the Country of Turkey

Here is an update letter from a young Christian teacher teaching elementary-age children in Turkey. Her name is Ruth Stevens and her father is the pastor of our church in Budapest--Danube International Church. We love and support Ruth and her work in Turkey. Please read her update and if you feel led to pray, please do so. Hers is a difficult job in a very dark place:

Dear Friends,

Greetings from Turkey! After my first semester teaching 1st grade at Oasis International School I am eager to update you about the Lord’s goodness to me in this new place and stage of life. The move here in August was a quick one, but I am thankful for a smooth transition to a foreign culture. I teach a class of 19 first graders from 9 different countries who mostly come from either diplomatic or missionary families. Teaching is challenging and I am still adjusting to all of the responsibilities of this more-than-full-time job. However, I love the school and the other teachers who work here.

Due to our location, our school is not overtly Christian, and I have to be careful about what I say about Jesus in front of the class. Nonetheless, as teachers, we try to integrate biblical truth into our lessons whenever possible, and the school offers Bible classes that students may attend with permission from their parents. I have had some exciting opportunities to talk about God’s truth with students who are curious about the Bible. Please pray that these kinds of conversations will continue to arise.

I live in the “suburbs” of Ankara, Turkey’s capital city. Life in Turkey is an interesting mix of East and West. The makeup is composed of conservative Muslims who wear the head coverings, as well as secular Turks in European dress. Though many Turks in our area are not so strict as to pray five times a day, this semester I watched as almost the entire neighborhood observed Muslim holidays such as Ramadan (Ramazan in Turkish) and the “Sacrifice Holiday.” Please pray against the darkness in this land.

Most of my time is spent with school activities, but I have also been able to attend a Bible study for Iranian women. Please pray that God will bless this community (mostly refugees) who are in our midst. Next semester I hope to add more: a prayer time with the first grade moms, serving at my church, and getting to know the middle and high school students better. I appreciate your prayers as we enter into this second half of the year.

The school year continues until June 17th and then I will return to the U.S. during the summer to attend weddings and my NICS orientation. I have committed to teaching a second year at Oasis International School and will return in the Fall as a 3rd grade teacher.

Please praise the Lord with me for:

· Completion of my first semester
·Great roommates and living situation
·An international church to attend
·God’s provision in allowing me to be here
·Receiving my Residence Permit

Please pray for:

·A strong personal walk with the Lord
·Our school as they become accredited
·Ahmed, Peter, and John- first graders who are struggling with their behavior
·My unbelieving students and their families
·Language study
·Friendships with Turkish neighbors
·Teachers to fill open spots for next year
·A Work Visa

Thank you so much for your support and encouragement,

Ruth Stevens