Go Where the Apostle Paul Went, Do What He Did . . .: A Life of Witnessing

By Davut Abi

Traveling here makes one feel like a modern-day Apostle Paul, like being in another “holy land,” like being in the Bible, and like a life-changing experience has just happened for so many who have no access to the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is an adventure of learning, loving, sharing, tasting, seeing, and encountering the living Lord.

This region is the cradle of ancient civilization and history where Western thought, philosophy, art, and sculpture originated. This is the place where Apostle Paul was born and traveled during his journey in the Book of Acts; where the Apostles John, Luke, and Phillip are buried; where Noah landed and the animals were dispersed; where Abraham lived and roamed; where the early church councils were held; where the seven churches of Revelation are found; where some of the New Testament was written; where Galatia, Colossae, Ephesus, and the area mentioned in Philemon are located; and where the earliest Christians were scattered in Cappadocia, Bithynia, Pontus, Galatia, and Mysia. This country is beautiful with sweet people who are unaware of the good news of Jesus Christ.

We encounter people at markets, ancient sites, homes, gardens, workplaces, and resorts with the continual response, “I have no idea why Jesus had to die.” For most, it is a matter of explaining rather than defending why Jesus had to die on the cross. It is also a matter of convincing people with the heart and not so much with the mind or argumentation. In other words, trying to “outlove” these people, if you can, is no small challenge. I invite you to come along with me as I have lived and traveled through this region for the last twenty years, sharing the good news.

• Language: English
• Publisher: WestBow Press
• Release date: Feb 14, 2019
• ISBN: 9781973653271

Davut Abi

Davut, a native of the southwestern US, was a carpenter when he accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. He was immediately called to missions and earned bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in Biblical studies. Gifted by God with the ability to learn languages, he was hired by an English-speaking religious organization and spent several years in other areas before being posted to the Middle East. A chance encounter with taxi drivers in a major city, who wanted to learn better English, allowed him to teach them and learn their language. They called him Davut Abi (Brother David). After a couple of years, he left his job to begin his own ministry. Being recognized as an authority on ancient and religious history, he conducts tours throughout the country, going where the Apostle Paul went, and doing what he did. If you would like to join a tour, please contact him at [e-mail] For information on how you can contribute to this ministry, you may contact [e-mail].

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Copyright © 2019 Davut Abi.

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Scripture taken from the King James Version of the Bible.

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Because of the dynamic nature of the Internet, any web addresses or links contained in this book may have changed since publication and may no longer be valid. The views expressed in this work are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of the publisher, and the publisher hereby disclaims any responsibility for them.

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ISBN: 978-1-9736-5326-4 (sc)

ISBN: 978-1-9736-5327-1 (e)

Library of Congress Control Number: 2019901481

WestBow Press rev. date: 02/13/2019

Contents

Dedication

Foreword

Prologue

Introduction

Culture

People and Places

Serious Decisions

Dreams, Visions and Healing

Off the Beaten Path

Divine Appointments

It’s a God Thing

Seven Churches

A Look Inside a Muslim Country at Prayer

Dedication

B y far the most difficult and emotional part of the writing of this book is this dedication. As our Heavenly Father oversees and governs His creation and affairs of men, He orchestrated a divine encounter with an old gentleman I called Pops. He and his gracious wife Grandmother forever became my God parents, literally. I thank and praise God often for them, even after their passing. God’s mind, grace, and ways are past comprehending or understan ding.

Everyone wants to be loved and needed. Pops’ gift was loving and being genuinely interested in others, despite his eccentricities. He could sense the need in people and always responded in kind, a real treasure. Pops could disarm the devil. Whether secular, religious, Muslim, atheist, or Christian, he had a knack of breaking down barriers. His age and experience, his child-like attitude, generosity, heartfelt expressions, and sky- blue eyes made all of us feel loved and appreciated. He was everybody’s Grandpa. He always said, Tell me about you. Regardless of context, urban or rural, rich or poor, Pops’ discerning, soul searching, and unique manners opened many a door in sharing the Gospel. As one Christian friend said, We are professional evangelists in our minds, but Pops showed us all how witnessing is to be done—thank you.

I was the apple of Pops’ eye. He gave me his whole heart and I responded likewise. I learned much about God, our perfect eternal Father, through another imperfect adopted father named Pops. I am thankful. My entire life and work were transformed for eternity through a normal loving God-honoring relationship. I am forever indebted to my adopted Dads, earthly and heavenly. I pray to honor them in both places. It is to my Fathers that I dedicate this book since they are the ones responsible.

God’s, Jesus’, the Gospel’s, and our influences are forever.

Foreword

I n the Fall of 2006, my husband and I were adjunct faculty members at a small Bible college. Our neighbors, retired missionaries, put a newsletter from a former colleague on our shared washing machine. We had been doing mission work in Europe for several years but believed that we would be winding down that work. I prayed that God would open another door of service to us; however, I prayed that it would not be to a Muslim country because of the way women are treated in that cul ture.

I read the newsletter and knew that this would be our next place of service—of course, in a Muslim country. A few months later, we were able to meet the writer of the newsletter and felt an immediate kinship. In 2007, we took our first group of students on a ‘Seven Churches’ tour and in following years, took one or two groups every year. We retired in 2012 but continued our trips once or twice a year with our friend.

Although we have not been able to travel there since 2015, our hearts are very much in this work which has been the highlight of our years in ministry. To be able to introduce those who have never heard the gospel to our Savior is the greatest reward we can have as followers. The people you will meet in these pages are real—many of these stories were witnessed by our students and/or by us on our trips.

The Great Commission still extends to all believers to take the gospel, even where we may not want to go. I pray that many who read this book will answer that call and will also lend financial support to those who go.

Maralie Akers

Prologue

L ife lost, life offered, life gained; life for life for life. If there is no life (blood) sacrifice, there is no forgiveness of sins. These days in enlightened religious countries blood sacrifice seems archaic, repulsive. Many say they would not kill an animal with a face as if an animal were a human being. Sacrifice is redefined, and other substitutes follow. Some Christians emphasize attitude adjustment with regard to personal peace, joy, and love. Or there is the emphasis on success, comfort, happiness, and well-being as regards God’s will for believers. Evangelism and missions are substituted with medical and social aid. Others focus on cultural relevance without considering that all fallen cultures could be internally transformed by proclaiming nothing but the blood. In Muslim countries animal sacrifices are being offered often everywhere during religious festivals and the making of vows. Each Muslim’s sacrifice follows Abraham’s example of obedience hoping to be accepted by Allah. In faith through obedience let’s proclaim Jesus Christ as the Son/Lamb of God slain in God the Father’s eternal mind before the world’s creation to atone for our sins and offer new life in the present (2 Cor. 5:21).

God accepted and made animal sacrifices from the beginning as revealed with Adam and Eve, Abel, Noah, and Israel (Gen. 3:21, 4:4-5, 8:20-21; Lev. 16:15), as well as with many other biblical examples. Many modern people are astounded at the performing of blood sacrifices and death. The Bible portrays blood sacrifice as solemn and yet a joyous dedication of something valuable to the Lord God. These sacrifices had to be the best, untainted, and costly to qualify. The one offering identified with the blood which represented the death of a life. Sin is so serious that life is forfeited as a result, hence everyone/thing dies. Sins were forgiven through the innocent animal’s sacrifice which foreshadows the once for all sacrificial offering of Jesus Christ Himself. Today we must emphasize blood sacrifice for forgiveness, for the payment of the penalty of sin’s debt, and for the regaining of eternal life offered through the resurrected Lord Jesus Christ. If this glorious Gospel of God’s atoning sacrifice through Jesus Christ is not proclaimed then the seriousness of death/sin and the preciousness of life/redemption will both be devalued, reinterpreted, revised, misunderstood, under-appreciated, and unaccepted. There is no better news in life or death than this Good News of salvation provided by God for mankind’s relationship with Himself forever.

Introduction

W hy did Jesus Christ need witnesses? He left those who believe and follow Him to tell His story, the Good News of redemption through His atoning sacrifice on the Cross. This is both a mystery and a reality. He returned to His heavenly holy realm while leaving us, His Body, to proclaim His message of hope to a suffering sinful world. If it is not us, then who? This Gospel is either the best news ever heard, or somebody is not thinking straight. Many Muslims, as well as others, say for us to keep telling this wonderful Message; there is nothing that compares wit h it.

The experiences mentioned in the following pages are in a foreign country and are anecdotal. Many people who did not see these events will not believe for this very reason. Such were people in Jesus’ day who even saw the miracles with their own eyes. Nevertheless, these types of testimonies are happening around the world because Jesus is alive and offers us life now and forever.

A friend who is one of the oldest living cancer survivors in the world was healed, forgiven, and transformed by Jesus’ redeeming power in late November,1966. Even though already believing, he met the Lord in a way he had never met Him in his brief life. Few medical doctors in the world have seen such an ill cancer patient live for so long cancer-free and still be in great shape even today. This healed and forgiven survivor said he would not take anything for the ten years he participated in these short-term outreach efforts. As he commented, there is nothing said or done that could keep Jesus Christ from doing everything He said that He did and does, even today throughout the world.

Why me? Why was I permitted to see such incredible miracles that we read about in the Bible? Why? It could be simple. God involves the person who is there to be used. Even though a cliché’ nowadays, God uses those who make themselves available. In trying to proclaim the Gospel as we go, as we travel through life, He teaches us to listen, be led, and change direction. The divine encounters, protection, blessings, teaching moments, miracles, and presence of God Himself have made my life living and full of joy, which is far more than mere existence, security, and happiness. He is a redeeming God and manifests Himself to redeem when we are about His business of Gospel proclamation.

Lostness: Why?

I n the very place where people were first called Christians and where the Apostle Paul (mainly in the Book of Acts) journeyed, why do so few know so little about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? There are many historical factors to consider related to wars, religious oppression, and poli tics.

This region is Middle Eastern and modern, a Muslim country. There is an ancient Christian heritage here. This is the crossroads of civilizations. Culturally this area is complicated, paradoxical, and contradictory with no easy answers. This place is awesomely beautiful in nature and blessed bountifully with resources. In thinking of the Gospel, this is one of the most unevangelized and spiritually dark places on earth. Why?

The old ethnic Christians focused exclusively on themselves. Most ancient Christians had rich traditions but tended toward dead religious practices. Christians themselves were influenced by fear, worldliness, prejudice, Satan, unconcern, and just plain unbelief in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. The mentioned results have led to a place where Christian faith, worship, and practice are filled with spiritual ignorance and superstitions.

It must be noted that the problems that developed here can happen anywhere. Why should they happen to anyone? Let’s explain to everyone everywhere why Jesus had to die. Jesus will change their lives forever.

American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions

T he American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions was one of the largest mission-sending agencies in history from 1810-1961. With the passing of time the denominations involved shrank, downsized, and consolidated until in recent years their assets here were deeded over to local foundations. Since this is a Muslim country, the board members on the foundations would be predominantly Muslim. How can this ha ppen?

When I see the residue from centuries of work done here, I wonder how much the Gospel was proclaimed. I find remains of schools for girls, a university, medical facilities, outposts for the disenfranchised, and many educational buildings for lower and higher education, mainly focused on ancient Christian denominations such as Arab, Armenian, Greek, Assyrian, Chaldean, and Syriac. It is true that during those days it was illegal to convert to another religion, but not always.

The Bibles and dictionaries I use come from the printing presses established by those early pioneers. The publishing house now is without a building because of deeding the property away to the locals. What were they thinking? There is greater spiritual need now, more than ever.

Many of the former mainline denominations moved away from accepting the Bible as authoritative for life and practice. Social work, medicine, orphanages, and education became central to the goals of the American Board. The Gospel seems to have been on the periphery. It is hard to imagine, since some of missions’ biggest names and brightest lights were involved in the leadership. What happened to personal evangelism?

I wonder if the scientific approach, Biblical criticism, aided in the decline of these efforts. It seems to me we are to be evaluated by the Bible more than we are to critique it. Surely all learning and better understanding of the Bible are appreciated but to become so liberal-minded that we take God and then His message to man as revealed out of the picture is devastating.

If a church, para-church organization, denomination, mission-sending agency, seminary or Bible college fail to go to seed on the Gospel, they will sooner or later collapse on themselves. If a couple has no children, they will be buried with an empty house remaining in their brief lifespan. Such is the glorious responsibility God has given His children in His Kingdom—to fill the earth with witnesses in life, word, deed, and worship.

Show and Tell

M any people’s concerns relate to political climate and religious terrorism, but most are unfounded. We learn quickly that we operate more on what we think we know, instead of true knowledge, and even less on faith. We soon see it might be safer abroad than at home in the United States. Also, people fear they cannot witness and are ill-equipped. Well, the crux of the problem is that this is God’s work, not ours, wherein He will receive all the credit, so be faithful to trust Him and proclaim His Gospel message through life and testi mony.

Many are called, but few will answer. If we are obedient, we must answer since we are already commanded to go into all the world. Once people come, they find it is even harder to leave than it ever was to go. Act in faith and God will bless extraordinarily. This is His plan of salvation.

We visit people who have become family as much as friends. We celebrate over simple delicious feasts. One young lady asked for us to pray for her test for employment the next day. Later, her son became sick, so both parents were up all night. We prayed. The son got better. During her test, she had peace and passed even though tired and stressed. She said it was strange how much she remembered. God is mind blowing.

We prayed with a lady who was in dire straits because her grandson had cancer. We prayed for the elderly lady, that her heart would be open to the Gospel. Others nearby saw our tears when praying and thought we were distraught over the sick grandson. They were amazed to learn we were more burdened over the lost condition of them, as well as the older lady and her family. Few people focus on eternity and God’s Gospel.

A friend needed a ride, so we gave her a ride to her parents’ home. Her elderly father knew nothing of the Apostle Paul or Jesus and lived where Paul left on his first missionary journey. Because of our willingness to help them, genuine concern for them, spending of time with them, and emphasis on explaining the Gospel to them, he believed and accepted the Lord that day.

Because everyone can see who we are with no pretensions, they realize we are interested in them because they are them, nothing more. They see a little of Jesus by what we are doing, and they see more of Jesus as we point to His word about Himself. We have seen so many say with conviction, Jesus is the Savior and This is Good News.

Every Day Along the Way

S ome windows are opened wide, and others are closed. Sometimes presenting the Gospel is so divinely designed that even the seconds count for eternal destinies. Even though most people here are Muslim, they have little skepticism and less modern baggage associated with western societies. I am amazed at what God does daily, if we ask Him to guid e us.

We prayed for an elderly man having eye surgery the next day. He was so touched that he wanted to seek Jesus’ aid both physically and spiritually. We ran across an aspiring young politician for whom we prayed but he did not want to risk political fallout so avoided any commitment to Jesus. We exchanged ideas with two high school grads trying to get into university. They wanted our Good News gifts and more detailed information through our extended conversation. We spent hours by the seaside with a father and son who both eventually believed. After dark we had to find a flashlight when explaining the Gospel to a business owner after the electricity went out. He said by flashlight that the chances of seeing him at his establishment were almost nil. He prayed to receive God’s Lamb as the only acceptable sacrifice for his sin. God accomplishes His will in the lives of people even when the lights seem dim. God is amazing.

There are so many precious ones who have fully embraced the Gospel that it is no coincidence. We think we may be seeing a real move of God’s Spirit, but who wants to say they are an authority on His Spirit.

Cultural Proverbs

W estern mentalities are individualistic, while eastern thinking is collective. Here are some representative examples to illust rate:

Western Proverbs

– A penny saved is a penny earned.

– Time is money.

– God helps those who help themselves.

– Early to bed, early to rise makes a man healthy, wealthy, and wise.

– You have made your bed, now lie in it.

– A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.

– There is more than one way to skin a cat.

– If at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.

– A squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Eastern Proverbs

– Two captains sink a ship.

– The sick man must be in bed, the soup in the bowl.

– The sheep separated from the flock is eaten by the wolf.

– One hand does not clap, two hands do.

– Many ants kill a camel.

– A lake forms a drop at a time.

– A guest comes with ten blessings, eats one and leaves nine.

– The master of the house is servant to the guest.

Who, Why, When

W hile traveling like a gypsy, enjoying the people like an old friend, imagining the past amid ancient ruins, and tasting the food and culture, I always bring up the Person of God. His character and desires should hold sway over our everyday decisions. Most people here are on the same page, even though they are reading a different book.

I refer many Muslim people to a passage in the Bible that is astounding to everyone, Isaiah 53. Upon reading, 100%, and I mean 100% of the Muslim readers say that this is Jesus. I then ask, where does it mention His name? It does not. Then I ask, how do you know this is Jesus? They say that this is His book and it is clear. They even say we are not so ignorant to think otherwise, as if I am trying to trick them.

I point out that this passage says He bore our iniquities and by His stripes we are healed. I explain this is what Jesus accomplished on the Cross as He inaugurated God’s Kingdom on earth. He even pronounced people clean, forgiven, and healed as a man, and only God has such authority. This manifests God’s Kingdom blessings, a taste of heaven, His extended family dynamics on earth.

When I ask in what time period Isaiah was written, Muslims shrug; most people anywhere do not know. 700 years before Jesus’ birth, Isaiah prophesied. This is a miracle for the ages. His story is the hinge of all history. This is why the world turns. This is why the universe spins. This is why hearts beat. This is why we are having this conversation. Jesus took our sins on Himself. He paid our penalty. He took our guilt. He offers forgiveness. He gives liberty. He provides strength. He establishes a relationship. He gives peace. He honors faith. He blesses obedience. He inspired these words before He came so all could hear this Good News and realize who He is.

Muslims recognize to whom these verses refer on first reading, most Jews did not, maybe others do not as well. What a privilege to proclaim this message of hope, salvation, and healing as Isaiah did in his Gospel message so long ago. This is the will of God for the ages, eternal.

I see prayer working by causing situations to change, causing us to change our hearts as we obey what He has instituted. Prayer is a glorious mystery where God allows us to be involved in His will being accomplished. May we climb unto Our Father’s lap and tell Him everything, as we watch Him work.

Whosoever

A Muslim tried to befriend some Christians here. After two years of wanting to interact with no success, he came to these conclusions. Either they did not believe in this eternal message relating to their faith, or they did not care about his eternal destination. Of course, there could be other motivations such as fear, insecurity, ignorance, the devil, and cultural difference. Read this following story of love.

None of us know for sure what goes on in the hearts of men, but I believe we will see this man again in eternity. On several occasions he was privileged to hear a crystal-clear presentation of the Gospel bathed with much love. As he was now up in years, he responded to the most pointed and clearest of these witnessing occasions. He noticeably nodded in agreement that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world. He prayed joyfully with tears of repentance.

There are so many culturally religious people in the world,