Global Ministries

One of the frustrations in our work with migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers in Istanbul is that we can't publicize what we do. We can't put the refugees' stories on the internet. We can't make public the names and faces of the people who are desperate for food, clothing, and medical care. We can't share with the world the adventures and tragedies of the many people you have helped through your support of our work with them. The tales we want to tell you are simply not for the mass media.

If you’re a migrant or refugee who’s stranded in Istanbul, you spend a lot of time waiting. Waiting for the United Nations High Commission on Refugees to give you legal documents. Waiting for someone to give you an odd job. But most of all, waiting for a chance to move on to another country in Europe. It can take years of waiting. And there are tens of thousands of you in Istanbul.

It can break through in the darkest of moments and lift one’s spirit to tremendous heights. It can crash equally as fast leaving one in the deepest of despair. January has seen a continual shifting of political realities in the Middle East leading to greater despair. January has seen the inauguration of a new leader, Barack Obama, and a ray of hope for what seems to be the entire world. One should never doubt the impact the USA has on the rest of the world, whether it be for the positive or negative.

On Monday evening, 12 January 2009, an ecumenical and international award was bestowed on His Beatitude the Patriarch, Mesrob II, in an interchurch service at the Holy Mother of God Patriarchal Cathedral.

In our recent newsletter we informed you about “A Common Word.” It’s the letter written in October 2007 from Islamic scholars and leaders “representing all regions, denominations and schools of thought.” Their letter is addressed to the Pope and a long list of Christian leaders, “and leaders of Christian churches everywhere.”

The skies have opened up and delivered some much needed rain. The world economy has turned upside down. Life is full of change. In one week, I attended a wedding of a graduate, the funeral of the mother of a colleague, rejoiced over a new birth, and mourned the loss of a dear friend and former colleague Martha Millett. Martha gave 38 years of her life to the people of Turkey. She continued to give of her life the best she knew how as she faced the growing limitations of a painful illness. She is one of the many examples of the fruits of a life of service to others. Life goes on, sometimes with us and sometimes without us.

One of the questions we are most often asked by members of our congregations and others is, “Why don’t we hear Muslim leaders speaking out against terrorism?”

Wider Church Ministries/Global Ministries sadly announces the passing of Martha Millett, former missionary to Turkey, in Pilgrim Place, Claremont, California on August 22, 2008 after a long illness.

The Association of Andover Newton Theological School Alumni/ae recognizes an alum who evidences in his/her ministry the capacity to fulfill the mission of Andover Newton Theological School and contributes to fulfilling the purpose of the Alum Association. This year's recipients are former Global Ministries missionaries in Turkey, Alan and Sally McCain