Nancy’s Kitchen

Thursday, June 8, 2006 - Bus to Istanbul.

Approaching the border crossing, Bularia to Turkey, the sense of foreboding grew. Crossing the border, the atmosphere began to feel ominous. Granted, the weather is very overcast, raining, and lighting in the distance, but it is more than that. It reminded me that a few days ago I heard, “dangerous road ahead,” and Cathie Cotton said she had a sense, a knowing, that there are bombings. So we have a heads-up. No fear, no worry, just a heads up to stay alrert and pray. So Lord, keep me alert, please, and surround us, each person on this trip, the drivers and the bus with your angelic protectors and warriors. Help us to team with You.

The enemy is trying to insert strife into our team. We need to be careful with our tongues. We need to purpose to believe the best, not the worst, and to follow Biblical principles of conlict resolution.

Friday, June 9, 2006 –
Photos: Carpet Factory #704-786
Ephesus #787-859
Izmir Gypsies #860-918

On to Izmir (Smyrna) to the Gypsies. This is where the gypsy violinist was, Niki gave me photos to give to the people, including the boy violinist. Using the picture and “Tees Nishe?” (Do you know __?) to communicate with his friends, they found him and sent him to me, his violin strapped to his back.
Another gift of communication… I was looking for an old lady to give her her picture. We were “told” she had died. The kids were so funny demonstrating that to me!

Nancy S., Judy and I prayed for some ladies today. One appeared to receive healing in her hand from a stroke. When Nancy & Judy started with her, her grip was very weak. When I joined them, it was very strong. We also prayed for her strength to stand and walk. Which she did a little. She has more healing to receive, but is well on her way! All three of the ladies ended up looking quite “happily wasted” in the Spirit! Thanks, God! J

Back at the hotel in Izmir, Lord, how do the Beatitudes speak to the Gypsy situation here? How do they apply to their facial expressions, and the snatching and running off?
“They are still My kids. I created them. Some will come to Me. Some will not. Treat them like you want to be treated. Love them, hug them, respect them. (Trust them?) Be wise. Trust, but with wisdom.”

The filth and poverty are beginning to get to me, and I am so tired! The swelling of my feet and andles need to stop! I believe part of this problem is the mineral water we’re drinking that has sodium in it. But I’ve had absolutely no problem with food or digestive problems! Yea!!

Saturday, 10 June 2006 – 9:30 a.m. - I am learning lessons in interpersonal relationship… getting along with others. These are good. I hope I can be gracious on the receiving end of correction and admonition. I already had to deal with the fact that I snore and actually kept my roommate from sleeping!! When I realized that I could do nothing to change it other than stay awake all night, I had to let it rest.  I did give her some earplugs…. 
Georgian’s mom sells jewelry made by a young widow who needs to put her college-age daughters through school. Elena is an artisan from the Art Academie of Moscow. She married a fellow student from Bulgaria. After he died, she has had to support herself and her daughters, Ani and Katya, now ages 21 and 22 years. I spent some money to buy some beautiful abalone and sterling silver earrings and rings. I will keep some for myself, give some as gifts, and perhaps sell some to support our South Africa mission trip.

Sunday, June 11, 2006 - Cruise on the Bosporus Strait, Istanbul, between Europe and Asia Monor. I baptized the Bosporus Strait with 1/2 bottle of water and prayer of declaration that Istanbul would return to the Lord, that the high places would be torn down.

Photos: Bosporus Strait, Istanbul #919-1012

o Pray for B’s continued healing.
o Pray for Assim, from the Sultan restaurant last night (Last Night Celebration – restaurant manager). He said he liked the joy and the music we had, but did not want to accept Jesus as God. Pray also for the other waiter who listened to Winnie’s message with rapt attention. I don’t know how much English he knows, but he was paying attention!
o Pray for follow-up for the 2 Beyaz Saray hotel restaurant waiters who came to know Jesus yesterday and received the Holy Spirit today on the boat. Such peace and restored innocence was on their faces and in their body appearance. J Bless You, Lord! Such precious gifts.

Last Night Celebration Dinner
o Winnie preaching on Queen of Sheba – people watch us worshipping Someone greater than the greatest man.
o It is Global Celebration’s heart’s desire to leave a blessing with the Gypsy pastors to relieve the Gypsy’s poverty.
o Kazanluk city officials are giving the land to Global Celebration (GC) and the city architect will be integrally involved in building a training center – type building for the Gypsies.
o Varna church’s Pastor Peter is preparing to minister to the Turkish Gypsies. He and his wife need a home of their own (currently living with her parents). Peter works a full time job, then every evening he holds church services. GC is buying a large plot of land, that cannot be subdivided or sold in pieces, for a church and his house. This must be transacted before the end of June or the land goes to the government and the price will increase tremendously. An offering and pledges were taken. Peter and his wife have been patiently working and waiting for three years for this location change. Currently, his church is meeting as several house churches. This will let them meet together and give Peter and Effize a home, too.

Monday, June 12, 2006 – Leave Istanbul – fly to Munich – and Home to D.C. –

Some of our team had a sweet time of worship and encouragemnet in the airport chapel in Munich.
o I networked with Lucia Stoika of Bucharest, Romania, an architect, who is an Orthodox Christian and has written a book (also published in English), Encyclopaedia of Romanian Places of Worship. She encouraged R & me to go to Romania and visit the beautiful Orthodox churches there. We exchanged names, emails, and web sites.
o I got a Word for R__, the worship dancer. I asked him what is his connection with American Indians. I felt that he is to check into ministering to the American Indians – they, like the Gypsies, are the outcasts of America. He responded very positively.
o I played Joy’s new violin in the Spirit during our small worship time in the airport. (I see this as God’s promise to take care of the violin issue. J)

On the flight home from Munich, I began making lists – of things for R and me to discuss concerning my/our involvement in missions, and of preparation for our South Africa trip less than three months away.

I also finished reading “The Barbarian Way”. I want to share a small excerpt from that in my church presentation of the Gypsy trip.