Looking Back

We’ve been back in England for more than a week – and much of the time has been spent in catching up with family, seeing the grandchildren before they start school. Which has been good but it’s only now that we can stop and take stock of our experience in Izmir.

The first thing is to say we would not have missed the opportunity for anything. There is a unique and refreshing pleasure in sharing in the life of any international congregation (and all congregations in the Diocese in Europe are that to some extent.) But we found our time at St John’s Izmir especially rewarding.

One factor was being part of a church in a non-Christian society. We’re used to England’s post-Christian character; but that makes most people feel they know about, and have discarded, the faith. Turkey is predominantly Muslim, even if most people – at least in Izmir- barely practise their faith. But there are plenty of mosques, and the day is punctuated by the call to prayer from loudspeakers on various minarets. So to come to church is a definite choice, a recognition of being part of a minority, ‘peculiar’ people. And because St John’s was very visible and more accessible than any of the Roman Catholic churches (which hid behind walls and security doors), it was often visited when it was open. Many who came in were young people, who had never been inside a church before. Which offers exciting possibilities, and was part of the freshness of the whole experience for us.

Islam has many good feature, but we could see its negative side too. Friday prayers basically involved only men, and seemed to consist largely of their listening to recited prayers and lengthy exhortations. Although in Turkey there is a mix of dress styles, something felt wrong about the sight of women wearing not only the head-scarf, but also long dresses and coats, walking in the 35⁰ heat, when their husbands wore T-shirts and shorts. So it is not surprising that it is often the women who are attracted to Christianity, which offers them affirmation and freedom, and offers all an involvement in worship that involves music and self-expression. (We saw that directly in the enthusiasm and happiness that characterised the singing of ‘Shine, Jesus, shine’ at the prayer concert led by Graham Kendrick.

Another joy for us came from experiencing the commitment and enthusiasm shown by the majority of church members. Our weekly Bible study was good; both for the mix of ages and nationalities, and for the thirst for knowledge and insight that the members showed. Intercessions were offered in at least three different languages, and showed a faith and love for God that is not always obvious in other contexts.

Many of the congregation had problems, but there was no complaining. Those who were refugees from Iran, and had left much behind them, were open and positive about what they had – most of all their faith in God’s love.

So we have made many new Christian friends, whom we will miss. And we have also glimpsed something of Turkish life and society. We won’t miss the litter, or the somewhat chaotic nature of the public transport. But we will miss the friendliness and helpfulness of most people – including the police keeping watch over the British consulate and the church. We will miss being close to the site of so much early Christian history – for it’s easy to forget that the seven churches of Revelation were all in western Turkey, as were the sites of the first four Councils of the Church. We will miss the sense of opportunity and possibility that exists for Christian churches in the country.

WE give thanks for the prayers of many while we were in Izmir; for our being kept safe and well, and for our return to home and family. And we look forward to our next commission!