A month in Ephesus?
Just when I thought I was going to swim in the sea every day, this happened...
It seemed clear to me that the “1-2-3 Morning Ritual” was something I could stick to. Three of my favorite things: worship, coffee and swimming! How could I go wrong? After just three days, however, a very sudden change in plans made sticking to this daily routine impossible.
Pillar of Smoke
I spent Saturday afternoon exploring Kuşadası. I took an international call while watching the waves lap at the shore. In the midst of that call, I looked up. Either the town was on fire, or I was witnessing a modern version of the pillar of cloud from the biblical Exodus story.
Am I being called to tabernacle in that location?
Weeks Before…
Prior to leaving Izmir for Kuşadası, I scribbled something in my journal regarding the month of July. When I think I hear God speaking, I do my best to take note.
July 1—July 31
This will be a month of productivity.
This will be a month of new habits.
Memorize the book of Ephesians.
You will rest in one place.
You will build three stores.
IsraelArt | OliveBranch | TBD
Timing is Everything
In the early morning of June 30th, I sat with my Middle Eastern Mama in her living room during a time of worship and reflection. I had my journal out and began looking through my past notes.
“Abba, You said that I would be in a place of productivity during the month of July! My current circumstances, however, make that likelihood seem altogether impossible. I’m in the spare bedroom of Jesse’s mom’s home. Staying with Jesse also seems unlikely despite his warm welcome. He has an infant, a toddler and a sister about to give birth. You said July would be productive. I don’t see it, but I trust you.”
After 1) Worship and 2) Coffee we gathered our things and headed to a small church in the side of a strip mall on the main road. Apparently, Mama’s “1-2-3 Morning Routine” is adjusted slightly on Sundays. Swap swimming in the sea with fellowship in the foyer.
Sunday Morning
We were among the first in the building. I fixed myself another coffee and sipped it on the far wall of the sanctuary. The crowd was small and conversing warmly in Turkish. I grumbled to myself, wishing my language skills were better. Lord, who do you want me to talk to? I sat quietly as I scanned the room. And then…
A single tear rolled down my cheek as a strong female presence entered the sanctuary. I stood up and walked toward her. As I approached her, I was given a single word to contemplate: “Return”.
Return? This made no sense. I smiled and gave her my best attempt at Turkish. “Merhaba. Gunaydin.” (Hello. Good morning.)
She replied cordially and asked me a question I did not understand? My blank stare must have given my language inadequacies away; she quickly switched to English. Our conversation could not have lasted more than two minutes before I found out the following information:
She was from Texas, yet lived in Turkey—off and on—for 20 years!
She stays in an apartment in Efes Selçuk (Ephesus) 30 minutes away.
She was returning to Texas tomorrow morning with her family.
I casually asked if she wanted to rent her apartment for a month. Her quick reply reminded me once again of what it’s like to walk in the grace of the Father. “Yes. That would actually solve some of my problems. You can come tonight.”
A true Kingdom connection.
A Month in Ephesus
And so, on the first of July, I woke up in the home of a pastor from Texas who had founded multiple churches in the area. When I first moved in, I had no idea how prolific this couple had been over the years, but it would soon become clear how much endearing fruit they had produced during their extended season in Turkey.
Everyone seemingly knew Mark and Michelle. And now, I get to ride those coattails as I work on three projects the Lord assigned me during the month of July.
When hearing things in the Spirit realm, we often times don’t understand the full implications. When I heard that I would be in one place during the entire month of July, I had no idea that I’d be living and working from Ephesus!
Cloud by day. Fire by night.
The day before I moved here, the parched land surrounding Efes went up in flames and a pillar of smoke called me inland away from the beach.
It’s time to tabernacle in one place for a month of productivity.
I pray that the testimonies from my adventures will bless you and encourage you in your own faith walk. If you find the AL3XAND3R blog encouraging, please share with friends.
I’m Gr8ful.