Our time in Turkey!
Dear friends and family,
We just want to start by saying thank you. Thank you to everyone who came to our interest night, who prayed for us, encouraged us, gave financially, and supported us in so many ways. We truly could not have gone on this trip without you, and we felt so covered and sent by our community every step of the way.
Matthew and I recently returned from a month-long scouting trip to Turkey, and it’s hard to put into words how impactful and eye-opening this experience was. Getting to see firsthand what God is doing in Turkey and the Middle East has marked us deeply. The Lord is absolutely moving.
We spent most of our time with a YWAM team that is running a discipleship school made up of under 20 students from places like Turkey, Iran, Nigeria, Georgia, and other regions where it can be extremely dangerous to follow Jesus. Many of these students come from Muslim backgrounds, and some have faced real persecution for their faith. Watching them worship, pray passionately, study Scripture, and grow in intimacy with Christ was one of the most powerful things we’ve ever witnessed.
These students are not only learning, they are being constantly discipled, held accountable, and equipped to go back out and share the Gospel. We were able to sit in on classes, hear their testimonies, and even watch them go on outreach and lead others to Christ. Talking with ex-Muslim after ex-Muslim who has given their life to Jesus was incredibly humbling and faith-building.
We also spent time with the long-term missionaries, hearing their hearts and callings, seeing where they live, and learning what daily life and ministry really looks like on the ground. They were so open with us about the practical realities—housing, community, team life, and sustainability—and they formally invited us to join their team if we feel called. They shared how deeply they are praying for more people to come and serve in this region.
One of the most amazing things we learned is how much of this work is being supported quietly and faithfully by churches in the U.S. There is a secret house of prayer that local American churches help fund so that these students can safely meet, worship, and be discipled. For students who cannot afford the school or outreach, churches are directly paying their fees so Middle Eastern believers can follow their calling. Seeing this level of global partnership in real life was overwhelming in the best way.
We were in Turkey for a full month doing ministry, sitting in on classes, hearing testimonies, and simply living among the team and students. It’s something we’ve prayed about for years, and to finally see it with our own eyes has confirmed so much of what God has been stirring in our hearts.
Again, thank you for walking with us, believing in us, and making this possible. We are so grateful to be part of a community that cares about what God is doing in the nations. Please continue to pray for Turkey, the Middle East, and the incredible believers who are courageously following Jesus there.
With so much love and gratitude,
Matthew & Naomi
