God Broke My Heart for the Lost

Today was our first day in the city of Bursa. We first visited the University of Uludag Campus, where we would be spending the majority of our time trying to meet students and praying for the opportunity of a spiritual conversation to arise. Because today was a Saturday and it is also finals, campus was dead, like really dead. So instead of trying to meet students we walked around campus getting our barrings, and prayed. We prayed for the campus, for the students, and for God to be made present during our week here. As we walking around campus and prayed my heart grew more and more for the lost students in this country. Close to 100% of the students attending the University do not know the love that the Lord has for them. My want to have an opportunity to share the Gospel grew more. I want to share the love and hope that I have today because of my relationship with Jesus Christ. I want to spread the love that He has for these people. To think that Jesus died for the sins of people who don't even know who He is blows my mind, and breaks my heart. Jesus has given me a heart for the world, and before today I have experienced a different need. A physical need. But today I realized the spiritual need that so many people in this world have. And to not use this blessing, to not share the word of God with people who may never have the chance to hear it. Well, it seems selfish.

Being at this University glorifies God, and I am here because He sent me. I am here for Him, not for myself. And at times this realization is a struggle. It is not easy to give everything up to Him. To give every accomplishment, good thing, or even bad thing in your life up to Him. It is very humbling. Sobering, to know that this is all for Jesus Christ, and none of it is for yourself. Being humble in this is not an easy task, but is one that I pray about, and one that I need to remember. Jesus is the one who has provided all of this for me, and it is very important to be thankful. So thank Him. Tell Him how grateful you really are.

After walking around campus we went to a popular place for students to hang out, known as Gorukle. Gorukle is a small, but busy street in Bursa. This country definitely has a night life. Busy, busy, busy. People are out everywhere. Hanging out, sitting at cafes, playing games. There are lights everywhere. People everywhere. However, the ratio of men to women is very unproportionate. Everywhere we went it seemed to only be men. This was most likely due to the fact that it was night time, and many women are not out at night in this culture. This made it hard to make friends tonight, because as girls we are only allowed to seek out other girls.

When we got back to the hotel after seeing campus and after eating dinner in Gorukle we were pleased to find out that the rest of our team had made it safely. Such good news, and a blessing that they had made it safely. Praise God.

For Bible Verses relating to this passage read Luke 10:1-11, Acts 13:44-49, and Acts 18:5-10.

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