My family and I had the privilege to serve in Turkey at the 20th anniversary of the Holy Spirit Conference hosted by Larry and Kay Mills and the MENA organization. Larry and Kay have served in Turkey for over 30 years and have pioneered the move of the Holy Spirit in a country that is 99% Muslim. Turkey has a population of about 90 million people and it is estimated there are only 180,000 Christians.
Last August (2022) after our 10 Men Team had left the Bucharest Airport and returned to the US, I felt in my heart I was to go to the Conference in the Cappadocia region of Turkey. At the conference, the Holy Spirit ministered to me to serve and help Larry and Kay at the conference the following year. We were able to do so as a family and enjoyed it to the full. I was on the usher/security team, my wife Kim headed up the book table and our four children served in children's church, leading worship and helping with different kids groups ranging from ages 3 to youth.
As pastor of CWI - Delta it was an honor to serve however and at whatever was given to me. Tony Cooke (one of the speakers) has a book I fully enjoy called "Searching for Timothy." No matter where God has us, we can look to level up in our serving giftings and qualities. The greatest way to lead is to look for places to serve.
We witnessed about 400 people from 20 different countries in the Middle East receive amazing teaching, experience deliverance, and see the joy of the Holy Spirit come on them in a powerful way.
Larry and Kay Mills have done a wonderful job pioneering the work in Turkey. It has been challenging, lonely, and discouraging at times however they are seeing the fruit of their 30 years of work coming to fruition. Next time you see them, thank them for being faithful to what God has called them to and for the tireless and hidden hours of prayer and service they have provided a region and people group that so desperately needs the Gospel (Good News) preached and demonstrated to them. 1 Cor 2:4-5 "And my speech and my preaching was not with enticing words of man's wisdom but in demonstration of the Spirit and power. That your faith should not stand in the wisdom of men, but in the power of God."
It is an honor to be part of what God is doing in the Middle East. Ps 72:19, "Blessed be His glorious name forever, and let the whole earth be filled with His glory!"