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Cornerstone Communications
Turkey
September 07, 2005

Dear Friends & Family,

Greetings one more time from Istanbul, Turkey. I have been so busy trying to prepare for our upcoming production, that I haven't been doing much of anything else. The weather is getting cooler, and I'm enjoying the walks, and here in Turkey, you WALK!

Production Update

The sets are going up, the costumes are being altered, the lights are being positioned, and the actors are going through their nightly rehearsals. Everything is going well. God has been so good to bring us this far. Not all the funds are in, but He's faithful, so we trust Him. We open on Thursday, September 8, and have performances nightly through Saturday, September 10 at 8 p.m.

Now 2 days before Opening Night, I direct the actors in some last minute rehearsals.

The Calm Before the Storm

While everything is going so well, there are a few undeniable truths. Turkey is a Muslim country, where Islam is practiced by 90% of the population. Turks are a passionate people, and they are the first to rejoice over something they agree with, and the first to verbally denounce something that they don't.

"The Judgment Seat" is very clearly Christian. It goes right for the heart. After the show, there is no denying that Jesus is Lord, and that He's the Son of God, and that He's the ONLY way to God. Islam doesn't believe that. They see Him as a prophet, but not a way to God.

God's timing is perfect. Just 16 months ago, it was against the law to preach or evangelize on the street. People who passed out evangelistic tracts or Bibles were arrested, or hassled, or threatened, or all three. God, in His infinite wisdom, has used Turkey's desire to align with the EU, to open the door for Christians to impact the country. Turkey must now "grit their teeth" while Christians "come out of the underground", and become more visible. Thegovernment must show tolerance, but that doesn't mean they have to help you, or that the public will suddenly accept you.

Of the several missionaries and pastors that I have spoken to, this is the FIRST evangelistic PUBLIC outreach (there were some evangelist meetings in the past, but done through the underground church, with the members bringing their unsaved friends. It was a "safer" outreach that way, because the members "screened" the invitee before they came) . No one knows what to expect, because it's the first time that a public venue is being rented out for the purpose of Christian evangelistic outreach.

Last Sunday, I had the chance to share and sing at Kut Church, located on the Asia side of Istanbul.

We have had to get permits, and register each actor with the police, so that they will know who's participating. These brave souls are "coming out of the underground", and essentially, declaring that they're Christian in a Muslim nation. It's VERY BRAVE of them! One young man, not in our cast, was called into his boss's office when they found out he was a Christian. There he was met by 8 other co-workers who proceeded to beat him, kick him, and get him to denounce Jesus. He didn't. This is a very real situation in Turkey.

My friends, please pray. Pray for the actors, who are stepping on stage and declaring their faith in Jesus Christ. Pray for the pastors, who are making a public stand, with the threat of retaliation. Pray for me, as I head this endeavor. Lastly, pray for the precious souls attending the production. They're excited to come see it, but they don't know what they're in for! Many are going to come to Christ! Please pray that the zealots and those not interested in Christianity will somehow stay away, and not distract, or intimidate those who want to know Jesus as their savior.

Evangelism 101-Part II

Last week, I began speaking about sharing our faith with others around us. I was blessed to receive many encouraging replies! Thank you for writing. We discussed that it's sometimes hard to open up about our relationship with the Lord. Sharing Jesus Christ with a world that is almost hostile to His message can be a scary thing, but when you do, you've succeeded to at least make them aware of a loving Savior.

A worker wheels a "portable" amusement ride for children, and for a few cents, a child's day can be made!

Did you know that the majority of Christians never share the gospel with anyone in their lifetimes? Not even once? Do you know what's worse? Maybe it's because I look so "holy", but no one has ever stopped me and told me about Jesus! I think it's the tragedy of modern Christianity. Christians adore sitting around nodding their heads about the fact that the world is so lost, but wouldn't dream of coming out of their little Christian bubble to make a difference.

The fact is evangelism is for every Christian! It's a part of the joy we have in knowing Jesus Christ, to share our testimony with others who don't yet know Him, and it's also very important to expanding the Kingdom of God in the world around us.

Just last night, my costumer, Amy Harriss (who had just arrived from the U.S. hours earlier) , Michelle Moore (a friend who works here) , and I went to dinner after rehearsal… about 11 p.m. Before we ate, we held hands and prayed. We didn't think anything of it, but a group of four Muslim Turks were watching us. One spoke to us in broken English, "I have seen many tourists come, but it's the first time I've seen Christians pray like this. It's wonderful!" The Lord gives us so many opportunities like this one to share His love with others.

Last week I wrote that there are TWO kinds of evangelism: Street and Home Evangelism. We discussed Street Evangelism. This week, we'll talk about Home Evangelism.

Last week, Turkey celebrated Victory Day, and I was able to catch the last of a military parade at Taksim Square.

Home Evangelism

II Timothy 4:2 says, "Preach the Word, be instant IN season and OUT of season." Street evangelism is the OUT of season. Home evangelism is IN season. It's something we're a little more prepared for. It involves reaching people outside our normal "sphere" and inviting them to be a part of our world. Here in Istanbul, I have met two young men, one married, and one single. Both who I have nothing in common with, but I feel a deep desire to share Christ with them.

Friendship evangelism forces us to accept others, and make them a part of our life, in order to be able to tell them about Jesus. However, here is what Home evangelism is NOT: It's NOT making "friends" just so that you can tell them about Christianity. They will sense that you're not being real, especially when they start to disagree with what you're sharing, and then you suddenly turn a cold shoulder. "They don't believe like I do, so I'm not going to waste my time."

We can hurt the cause of Christ by such an attitude. Especially after we have shared how wonderful and loving Christ is, then we resent them for not agreeing to come to church with us. No, we have to love them, and, as Proverbs says, "Don't just pretend to love them. Really love them." You'll find them coming to Christ when you least expect it.

One of the key truths in my life is this, "God wants them saved more than I do." When I start to get flustered that people are rejecting me, or what I say, I remember that. I'm here to help HIM bring in the harvest. Pray this prayer every morning, "Lord what is Your will today, and how can I help You accomplish it?" You'll find yourself alive with visions, ideas and goals!

The biggest joy you'll ever experience is simply telling others about your relationship with Jesus Christ. It will definitely deepen your relationship with the Lord, and a new burst of spiritual zeal will revitalize you as you share your Christian life with others. Go ahead, and don't wait. There's a world without hope waiting for you to share yours with them!

Bizim Icin Dua Edin!

That's Turkish for "Pray for us". Well, here we go. In two days, we open "The Judgment Seat" in a Muslim country. God loves Turkey so much. There are people here who desperately need to hear the exciting and wonderful news of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Thank you for your prayers, I'll update you next week on all that happened! Please drop me a line when you have a chance. God bless you!

For the Kingdom,
Richard Montez