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Turkey in Asia

2005

Arthur Blessitt standing the cross on top of “the throne of Satan, where Satan dwells” in the ancient runs of Pergamos.

“The Seven Churches of Asia” in present day Turkey

“I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last,”
“What you see, write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia:
Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and to Laodicea.”

(Revelation 1:11 in the Holy Bible)

By the great grace and mercy of God Denise, Sophia and I were able to carry the cross in the old ruins of each of these old cities. We also carried the cross along the roadsides and streets of the surrounding cities of modern Turkey.

It was such a joy to carry the cross there in Western Turkey. This part of Turkey is considered ‘Turkey in Asia’. There is another section from Istanbul west toward Greece that is in Europe. I carried the cross there in 1981.

Walking in this area was also a profound experience in Bible study. Carrying the cross in these historical places combined with reading all the scriptures relating to these churches was deeply moving. We discovered many new things that more clearly opened the understanding of the scriptures in the book of Revelation. I truly believe that the people in those churches fully understood what was written in Revelation and knew the meaning of the words and symbols used. It was a message of victory and glory in the midst of persecution, suffering and martyrdom.

Carrying the twelve foot cross was to say the least simply stunning for the local people! Many looked in unbelief and shock, some came to inquire as to what we were doing and others turned away so as not to see the cross anymore. We faced some struggles with the officials letting us take the cross as we approached the ruins of Ephesus, Philadelphia and Pergamos. But the Lord prevailed and the cross was carried. Praise the Lord! Thank you for your prayers, we needed them! We had some wonderful witness with the people and prayed with some and invited them to receive Jesus as Lord and Savior and follow Him. I spoke in one house church and also a church in a shopping area and met with the wonderful ministers and families. They are doing a courageous work for Jesus in this Muslim country. The followers of Jesus are growing and new churches are springing up all around this area! Pray for them.

It is thrilling to tell you that on March 24 th in the newspaper “Yeni Auir” there was a good article about us carrying the cross in Turkey. They also had a color photo of Denise and I and the cross at the ruins of Ephesus! There was not one critical word. Praise God for the witness and favor. God bless Turkey and this area that was very much the cradle of the early church.

A very significant and important moment for us was when we carried the cross in the ruins of Pergamos and stood the cross on top “of the Throne of Satan, where Satan dwells.”

“And to the angel of the church in Pergamos write,
‘These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword:
“I know your works, and where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is.
And you hold fast to My name, and did not deny My faith even in the days in which Antipas was My faithful martyr, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.

(Revelation 2:12-13 in the Holy Bible)

These are the words of Jesus. I accept what Jesus said and will let others debate its meaning. This was one of the great moments of the crosswalk around the world. Wow, to lift up the cross above where Jesus Himself said was ‘Satan’s throne and where Satan dwells’. It was like lifting up the cross in Babylon and over the tower of Babel in Iraq.

Pilgrim followers of Jesus,

Arthur and Denise Blessitt
Luke 18:1