MR. CHRISTOPHER: Merhaba [mehr-hah-bah] from Istanbul, Turkey, KOMsters! ‘Merhaba’ means ‘hello’ in Turkish. I am so glad you could join us here for this exciting Kids On Mission adventure as we tour around Central Asia. Istanbul is a really fascinating city! It’s a dynamic and historically important city. And believe me, it’s a city that has been through a lot of changes over the centuries. Istanbul was once called Byzantium. The name was then changed to Constantinople. AND FINALLY, the Turks settled on the name Istanbul. The city is important in our world for many reasons. One of the biggest reasons is because of its geography. Istanbul is right at the crossroads of east and west. The city is a bridge between Europe and Asia. For thousands of years people have crossed back and forth from Europe to Asia making Istanbul one of the world’s largest cultural intersections. Speaking of intersections, here’s a Geographic Locator for you to watch while I attempt to cross this intersection without becoming a permanent piece of the pavement!

check out Geographic Locator here

MR. CHRISTOPHER: Two of Istanbul’s major landmarks are the ‘Aya Sofia’ (or the ‘Church of the Divine Wisdom’) and ‘Sultan Ahmet Cami,’ also known as the ‘Blue Mosque.’ The Byzantine Emperor, Justinian, built the Aya Sofia Cathedral in the year 537. When he was done he exclaimed, ‘Glory to God that I have been judged worthy of such a work. O Solomon, I have outdone you!’ But hundreds of years later the Byzantine Christian Empire fell and was replaced by the Muslim Ottoman Empire. The cathedral was then turned into a mosque. And, speaking

of mosques … The ‘Blue Mosque’ was built in 1616 for Sultan Ahmet I. Ahmet wanted to outdo the church built by Justinian … the result was this incredible structure. Turkish history is packed full of interesting facts from both the Christian and Islamic faiths. For instance, the Apostle Paul was originally from a town called Tarsus … which is in Turkey. Many of Christianity’s early churches were started in cities across the country … churches like Ephesus and Antioch.

Antioch is known to be the church where the first believers were given the name ‘Christians.’ And, the Seven Churches Christ addressed in Revelation were all in Turkey! For nearly a millennium, though, Islam has been the major religion here in Turkey and across Central Asia. Central Asians live in what they have, for centuries, called the ‘Shadow of God.’ Sadly, many … many Central Asian Muslims have never had the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ into their hearts. They have never experienced the life-changing salvation that He offers.

to watch the Features, click here

MR. CHRISTOPHER: This region is in turmoil right now, gang. For many people, living in Central Asia, here in Turkey and across the border in Iraq … life is hard. Many Muslims have lost hope and are struggling just to survive. That is why it is really important for us, as Christians, to bring the hope of Jesus to the people here who so desperately need Him. We have an awesome task and we need YOUR help! Please pray for Muslims living in this region. And, remember to give to the Lottie Moon Christmas Offering® and tithe through the Cooperative Program. Without our money, Christian workers living here would not be able to minister to the people. We are their lifeline! Isn’t that fantastic!?!?! God uses us to help others, but we must first give of our treasures here on earth in order that we might have treasures in Heaven! Here, see what Jesus said in this KOM PowerVerse!

KOM PowerVerse

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Matthew 6:19-20, NIV

“Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where moth and rust do not destroy, and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

MR. CHRISTOPHER: War with Iraq is over, but the real struggle in this region is just beginning ... the struggle to rebuild and the struggle to survive. Don’t forget to pray for Muslims living in Central Asia and the Middle East. Pray that they will have a new hope … hope in Jesus Christ. Bye, gang!