Meet TCM's First Students from Turkey

Session Three at Haus Edelweiss is in its second week and the session has been marked by another first. The campus has welcomed for the first time students and their translator from the country of Turkey. We have had the opportunity to ask them a few questions and I want to share with you some of their responses.

Turkey has a population of approximately 75 million people with 99.8% being Muslim. While there are Bible courses available to Turkish Christians, officially, the state will not allow the establishment of Christian Bible schools or seminaries. This means there are few Christian leaders who have a theological education.

We asked them to tell us about their ministries and learned that Murat B. has served as a pastor in an Istanbul church for the past 6 years. Together with a friend they started the church with 10 people and it has grown to 40. Although the members are mainly Turkish there are members from the United States, Korea, Mexico Albania, China, Mongolia and Azerbaijan. Murat is also involved with an organization that provides basic Bible courses to believers.

Each of the students interviewed was introduced to TCMII through their connections with Bible courses they had taken in Turkey. Alper G. shared that when he took one of the last classes available to him the teacher told him of a master degree opportunity through TCMII and encouraged him to enroll. Because it has been his desire for many years to improve his theological understanding he applied to TCMII and was accepted.

When asked why they chose to study with TCMII their answers varied and yet had a common thread running through them. Each felt it important that courses offered through TCMII are practical, they can study without being away from their ministries for extended periods of time and their TCMII studies will better equip them to serve in their ministries.

To TCM supporters they offered these words:

“It (time at Haus Edelweiss) was a blissful time, both in the theoretical way and a spiritual way. It’s a good retreat also so that when I return home I will focus on my mission with a clear mind.” Cem E.

“I would like to thank all TCMII staff and short-term ministers for serving with humble hearts.” Refik T.

To each of you, thank you for your partnership with TCM. Your prayers, service and financial support continue to allow TCM to offer many forms of leadership training to our Christian brothers and sister in what is now at least 36 countries in Europe, Central Asia and beyond.

For information about the Great Commission Initiative and to enlist click here. 

Blessings on your journey,

Debbie Poer,

Director of Global Outreach