Dear Friends and Supporters,
After almost two years of working, praying, and waiting, we are very joyful to share that we have purchased the Miletus House building. The building is smaller than what we first hoped for, but with the resources we had, we believe this was the best place we could buy. God has been very kind to us throughout this long process.
We are now in a season of construction and preparation. We closed a large balcony and turned it into another room, but there is still much work to do. Some walls need to be finished, we need to add a few bathrooms, and we also need to prepare a large office space. We are praying for the funds needed to complete these projects and prepare the building for future studies and gatherings.
Our hope is to hold our first study at Miletus House in November. Even though the building is not fully ready, some of our ministry partners have already visited and used the space. This has encouraged us greatly and helped us see again why this place is important. We look forward to seeing Miletus House become a place where pastors, leaders, and believers can learn, rest, and grow together.
Because Miletus House was far from our previous home, we also moved closer to the building. By God’s grace, we found a townhouse that was much cheaper than we expected. After speaking with ministry and financial advisors, Buse and I decided to use our life savings and retirement funds to purchase it. Everything happened very quickly, but we are thankful to be settled and much closer to Miletus House.
Ministry is also going well, and we are thankful for what God is doing. One important change is that I am no longer holding an official role at the church. The church now has two new pastors and two deacons, and I am very thankful for this healthy transition and for the leaders God has raised up.
I am now serving full-time with Via Christus Ministries. My main work includes producing videos, training leaders, and helping pastors. We are encouraged that our YouTube channel has reached 16,000 subscribers. We are also continuing our online sessions and creating other opportunities for theological training and encouragement.
We have also started a local network of pastors, ministry leaders, and church planters. Our hope is to encourage one another, learn from each other, and grow together in godliness. It has been good to spend time with leaders from different ministries, hear what God is doing among them, and support one another through the joys and difficulties of ministry.
I will be in the United States for six weeks this summer. During this time, I hope to meet with friends and ministry partners, share about the work in Türkiye, and continue building relationships that support our ministry.
As a family, we are doing well in the middle of many changes. The past months have not always been easy, and many things happened very quickly, but we are thankful for God’s kindness and guidance.
David finished school and recently attended a Christian camp for five days. It was his first time going to camp, and we were very excited for him. We are thankful that he had this opportunity to spend time with other believers and enjoy a meaningful experience.
Josiah has now moved to Georgia, US. He is doing an internship with a church there, while also working and experiencing life in a new place. He plans to stay for at least four or five months, but he may remain longer. This is a big step for him and also a big change for our family. Please pray that the Lord will give him wisdom, guide his decisions, and help him grow through this experience.
Please pray for the remaining construction at Miletus House, for the financial needs, for wisdom and strength in ministry, and for good fruit in the lives of pastors and leaders. Please also pray for our family as we adjust to many changes and prepare for the months ahead.
Thank you for continuing to walk with us through your friendship, prayers, and support. You are a great encouragement to us.
Grace and peace.
Kerem