Dear Theophilus Archive: Sept. 2000

A Letter from Ma.tta

July 27, 2000

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ:

My name is Bulent Ma.tta Ka.ra.tas, and this is my story...

For those of you who may not know me, I am from Tu.rkey, where 99.8% of the country is Muslim. For most of my life, I was a Muslim. But 3 years ago, I met a Korean missionary, Dr. Lee, and he challenged me to find out what is the truth: Islam or Christianity. As I struggled with this, I had an experience that completely changed my life. God revealed Jesus Christ to me in a dream.

Jesus said to me, "I am the only way. Obey and follow me!"

After this encounter with Christ, I surrendered my heart and life to Him. I became the only known Christian in my hometown of Kon.ya, the biggest city in Tur.key (population: 1 million). The Lord then gave me a vision for my fellow Turkish people who were condemned to hell because they did not know Christ our Savior. My heart could not help but respond to His calling to be a missionary to my own people.

God soon provided me with opportunities to share the Gospel with my people at Agape House, the Internet café which Dr. Lee had opened in Antalya. I saw many people come to know Christ, and the local church grew from 7 to now 100 people, both believers and seekers. Through Dr. Lee, God also gave me exciting opportunities to meet other believers from other countries.

Dr. Lee knew of the vision and calling the Lord had given to me. But he also saw the need for me to be equipped for my future ministry. So, Dr. Lee contacted Emmanuel Church in Philadelphia. The message he sent was this: "I am sending you Ma.tta, that he may learn more about Christianity, Jesus Christ, the Bible, and fellowship. Take care of my son." This is how I came to Philadelphia.

For the past 8 months, I have been in America, attending Emmanuel church, Bible Studies, and prayer meetings. Through worship services, fellowship activities, and especially through friendships, I have learned much about Christianity and what true Christian fellowship is all about. I am so thankful for Emmanuel Church, which has become my first Christian family.

Now I am going back to Tur.key. Why? Even though I have been greatly blessed during my stay here, I have been restless in my heart. While in Philadelphia, the Lord has confirmed my vision to go back to my hometown in Konya and open up an Internet café, where I can share the Gospel with more of my fellow people. But I need your prayers because I will be alone. There is no church in my hometown, and to my knowledge, I am the only Christian there. I am also in need of financial support so that I can go back to Turkey and fulfill the vision and calling He has given me. If you can, I would appreciate any financial help that you can provide. But more than anything else, please remember me in your prayers as I will be working to advance the kingdom of God in Tu.rkey. I love you all and God bless you, my family... Mat.ta.

P.S. If you wish to stay in touch with me, you can email me at: mattekaratas@yahoo.com or bulentkaratas3@yahoo.com.