There was a bombing in Istanbul, Turkey today (Tuesday, June 7). It killed 11 people and injured 36. My son Caleb and I are on a tour, and we are here in Istanbul. We are safe and fine. The bombing was near the Old City, where we are spending most of our time for these two days. In recent months there have been two other bombings in the city, and we passed by both of those places yesterday. We were not gawking, but they are places I have gone before in my travels. They are both public spaces.
The bombing was the work of Kurdish terrorists, and was aimed at the police and the government, but some civilians were also killed. Our tour guide did not tell us until the end of our day. I think she rearranged the day, and took us on a boat cruise in the morning to keep us safe. Maybe she was trying to calm herself as well. One of the earlier bombings has really shaken her. The bombing last fall targeted tourists. This was the first time. Others are directed at the military or police or government people, and never tourists. Since that attack, tourism has dropped by 75-90 percent.
But she, our guide, does not live in fear. And the people of Turkey go about their work and lives. Life is an inherently dangerous experience. I went out last evening to do some shopping, and the Turkish people were out in the shopping district, buying things and eating at restaurants. They are determined not to live in fear, and not to give into the terrorists.
The first evening we were here, was the beginning of the Muslim festival of Ramadan. For a little over a month every year, Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset. It is one of the five acts of devotion to God that Muslims are required to do during their lifetimes. In the major city square called Taksim, near our hotel, they have set up tables for hundreds of people to “break the fast“ in the evening. The food comes in boxes, and at exactly sundown, prayers are offered to God, and the people eat together.
So, what did the people do today, after the bombing, on the second day of Ramadan? They did the same thing as the night before. They prayed, and they ate together. They will not give into terrorism. Their devotion to God and to their community was evident in powerful ways this evening.
I am not fearful for our tour events for tomorrow. The odds of me being in car accident on the way to the airport (on the 401) for the tour, are much higher than being killed by a terrorist attack. But it is not about the odds for me. It is trying to live for God in every moment that I have here on this earth. How will the Turkish people respond to the violence? They will continue to love each other, and love their country.
So, pray for the Turkish people. Pray for peace. Pray for Gocken Art, our tour guide, and her family as they continue to live and work here in Istanbul. Pray for the terrorists, so that they might have a change of heart and minds.
I had asked my Monday morning breakfast group if I should travel to Turkey, knowing that there have been a few bombings here recent months. I will let them speak for themselves. In the Bible, there are 365 times that writers say, “Do not be afraid! “That is the way that I want to live, and the way that the Turkish people do live. Pray for peace. AMEN.