Keynote in Illinois, at the ICHE conference.
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Istanbul Blog
I arrived in the late morning at the airport, having flown through the night. It is a 7 hour time difference. Going west is always harder, but the great seats made a huge difference. Then I found an ATM at the airport to fill my wallet with some Liras and hired a taxi. He didn’t “speak a da English” but we managed to find our way to the hotel. I barely fit into the elevator!
Then Larry Milks, who coordinated the conference, and I headed for the Hagia Sofia, Ayasofia in Turkish, to do some site seeing. Since Istanbul is on the Bosphorus Strait, one of the common modes of transportation is by ferry. For a buck a ride you can go from Europe to Asia in a few minutes.
Istanbul, formerly Byzantium, and later Constantinople, is Europe’s most populous city and is the only metropolis to straddle two continents . Since we only had a couple of hours to see things we wanted to see one of the top attractions, the Ayasofia. For over a thousand years it was the largest cathedral in Christendom, then it was a mosque, and now it is a museum.
Inside
When the Ottoman Turks conquered the city they plastered over the Christian mosaics. But recently teams of experts have restored the beautiful art. Here is a picture of Justinian and Constantine presenting the city and the cathedral to baby Jesus on Mary’s lap.
We also saw the Blue Mosque a short walk away through beautiful gardens. I didn’t go in but stayed outside and took some pictures.
The purpose of the trip was to conduct a conference for devoted Christians living and working in this region. I would love to show you their picture, but for security reasons cannot. I can show you our team though. Several came from a church in the UK to work with the children while their parents attended workshops and many of the school age kids were tested.
The rest of the team took turns conducting seminars and meeting one-on-one with parents to provide educational support and encouragement in a variety of ways. I did several family seminars and was the resident math expert.
Each morning the team met for breakfast and then trudged to the Turkish-American University offices for the day. I particularly enjoyed the breakfasts at the hotel.
In the evening we ventured abroad and tried different eateries. Yes that is baklava. Don’t covet.
The last night we went to a fancy place overlooking the Bosphorus Strait. Even though they were advertising fish, I opted for a mix of kebabs.
This is all for the fun pictures and the travelogue. What I am writing now is at a different level. Often on these trips I am so focused on ministering that I don’t get a chance to hear how God is working in this region and the personal stories of the people we have been sent to help. With that in mind I asked questions as often as I could. And while I was there I read some of the history of Turkey and the local paper. Here is one sentence packed with information. Turkey is a democratic, secular, unitary, constitutional republic whose political system was established in 1923 under the leadership of Mustafa Kemal Atatürk, following the fall of the Ottoman Empire in the aftermath of World War I. At this time in history, the mighty Ottoman Empire was being referred to as the sickly nation. It was in danger of being divided up among the powerful nations of the world. Ataturk formed this independent nation, gave it a language, an economy, and an identity among other things. In one room where I was speaking there was a picture of Ataturk on one wall and George Washington across the room. He was their founder of their republic. Now move to today. Here is a nation that feels vulnerable amid allegations of Armenian genocide, deliberations with the Kurdish people, and entrance into the European Union. They have very real fears that there will be pressure from outside to give portions of land away to these groups and have their precious homeland, which they almost lost once, be like what has happened in the Balkan States. Turks fear that westerners are not pro-Turkey but are a threat to their existence. Because of this spirit of nationalism and other issues, westerners are not trusted, which makes it hard to minister. One man I sat next to on the flight back was a member of the UN. He referred to this nationalistic belief as “fundamental secularism”. This has become one of the obstacles in a addition to Islam. I saw very little religious garb compared to other nations I have visited. When you couple these strong beliefs it is no wonder in a country of 70 million people there are only 4 to 5 thousand believers. And it is a strategic country with the Middle east to the south, Russia to the north, Europe to the west, and Asia to the right. I have prayed off and on for this country for years, and have been stirred to pray for the nation, but also my new friends who are laboring valiantly for the King.
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During my first year at seminary the students organized an all night prayer vigil for the world. In the wee hours of the morning we were getting very sleepy as we divided up countries in the middle east to intercede for.
My friend David lived across the hall from me and is black. We used to call each other “Honkey Turkey”. When he began to pray for Turkey his prayer went like this. “Lord, I pray for Turkey, …. not this turkey next to me, but the real Turkey!!”
At this point we all began to laugh uncontrollably as only weary prayers can laugh at 4 AM. But then we realized that this inspired laughter reenergized us and we were able to stay awake until breakfast.
All this to say, I am flying to Istanbul on Tuesday and arriving Wednesday. I speak 7 times Thursday through Saturday to missionaries from that region. Then heading home on Sunday.
Please pray for protection, anointing, and good seats on the plane! 
Blessings
Steve
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Here are some excerpts from Steve’s talk at the St. Louis Home education expo.
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Meet the Noel, Tasha, Erika, Sofie, and Cheska Mison of Manila. They retrieved me from the airport Friday and were my gracious hosts for my first weekend in the Philippines. They are home educators who are also my Math-U-See reps for their country. My original purpose for coming to their country was to present workshops at an education conference for Christian workers from Japan, Korea, and the Philippines. I came a few days early to speak at a home education conference Saturday at their church.
After the morning presentations we had a question and answer time for several hours. It was a rich time learning about what God is doing in the Pacific Islands and hearing about the unique challenges and opportunities facing these kindred spirits.
I enjoyed meeting the next generation, many of whom are using Mathusee.
On Sunday the Mison’s drove me several hours to Caliraya Re-Creation Center for the weeklong education conference. Fortunately we didn’t have to take this form of transportation. I saw one of these Trikes with 7 people aboard. Amazing.
On the way up we ate a refreshing lunch on a floating bamboo hut. I had the fish sent back as it was staring up at me from the banana leaf platter.
Here is the site of the conference.
You park your car on the shore and take a ferry of sorts across the lake.
The you have the option of walking or taking the Jeepney (pronounced Jipnee) which is a cross between a bus and a taxi. You see score of these vehicles on the road. This is public transportation Philippines style.
I spent each morning from 9 to 12 addressing these missionaries while their kiddos were being tested and going to activities. Then I met again with just the men in the afternoon for a time of prayer, reflection, and follow through. They are likable, teachable, earnest, and devoted. After a week together sharing our hopes and concerns, praying about being better parents, and breaking bread together, I made many new friends. One man commented in the men’s afternoon session that their morning speaker was “bald, intimidating, and biblical”.
Some are living in secure areas, hence the paper masks. Even though they are taking the good news abroad and living in different cultures, they have the same needs in the marriage and family as you and I. Pray for these brothers and sisters as you look at their picture.
A few attendees at the first home school gathering the previous Saturday set up another similar meeting for the next Saturday. With only a week’s notice Edric and Joy Mendoza did a wonderful job pulling this together. I arrived in Manila Friday night and Saturday morning spent 3 hours with this audience from 8 to 11. I had to be at the airport by 12:30 so it was a packed time. Notice all of the men. Pray for these men and their families. I hated to leave.
I arrived that night in Singapore in time for Chinese New Year. Ming and Rose are beginning to be suspicious about my arrival. That is two years in a row that I have crashed their annual party for friends and family! In the morning Shern and Lyn are my human alarm clocks. Little voices ask “Steve Demme are you awake?” Here they are in my bed.
Noel and Jenny Tan are the Math-U-See reps in Singapore. They home educate Ily and Josiah. They also sponsored what may have been the first official homeschool conference in their country.
Math blocks transcend cultures.
Parents eagerly explored the crowded vendor hall. Blogger MamaBliss was also there, visit her blog for her report and a few more pictures.
I spoke a few times Sunday afternoon to hungry parents about family life and home education.
At the end of the day, awaiting my ride back to the Siows. The next morning my alarm kids awoke me in time for a heated sword fight with Shern! In a few hours I was enroute for my 18 hour direct return flight to Newark, NJ. And that same night at home in Lancaster celebrating Isaac’s 28th birthday.
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Some aspects of my world in 2008 are the same, and some are new.
Same:
God has not changed. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. He is a Rock, and thanks be to God, My Rock.
Our family. This picture was taken the night after Thanksgiving as we were about to embark on impromptu Christmas caroling of our soon to be blessed neighbors and friends.
New:
My heavenly Father’s lovingkindness and mercy, which don’t change and endure forever are nonetheless new every morning.
We have a new addition to the family, Duke!
He and I are the early risers in the family, so after his “business” he rests while I have devotions and is now sitting on my lap as I type.
Sandi, Ethan, Anna, and I are taking a course in Christian Coaching with our good friend Roger Erdvig (Center for the Advancement of Christian Coaching). While some are seeking certification to be a professional coach, I am seeking to improve my serve. My desire is to be a better husband, father, friend and servant.
Blessings,
Steve
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On July 10 Sandi, Joseph, John, and I traveled from New York to London.
Many people take pilgrimages to find long lost relatives or research their family tree. We were going to meet and encourage our brothers and sisters in Christ at a Homeschool Family Camp. Last year I began corresponding with the Van den Broeks who have 11 lovely kids. Victoria, the youngest has Downs Syndrome and that was why we first connected. But as we got to know their family we found we had much in common and they invited us to come to camp with them this summer.
The camp was hosted by the Rora Christian Fellowship. As you can see in the pictures it is a charming estate that God had led them to for the purpose of doing God’s work in that part of the country and wherever He led them to minister.
The people have servant hearts and willing hands and met our needs in many practical ways. From picking us up at the train station to driving to town for necessities to providing our daily bread they were always willing and able. Here is Christine and Sarah.
We arrived a day early to try and acclimate to the time change. That evening Dave asked if we wanted to go for a drive. He lives in an RV at Rora House. He and his wife have worked with Aids orphans in Africa and smuggled Bibles with Open Doors. We piled into his car and drove to the top of Haytor, a high spot in Dartmoor National Park. Rora House is situated on the edge of this huge park. It was chilly but inspiring.
The next day the caravans (trailers) and tents began arriving. Most of the families lived on the open lawns and fields. Even though this picture was taken on a sunny day, the first few days were wet and dreary and no fun for camping.
I was to be the speaker, but the main objective was just plain old fellowship for homeschoolers who are often without encouragement or support. So while parents talked, little boys rolled down the front lawn.
At 5:00 PM each afternoon I had a teaching time for the children. Two days were spent in the chapel because of the rain. But for 3 glorious afternoon we met on the front lawn. It began with kids, but many of the parents joined in as well.
Then on to dinner with one of the families. Our family was hosted by a different family each evening which was a superb idea as it gave us an opportunity to fellowship at a deeper level. I only wished we could have had 2 more weeks to visit each of the tents. Here are Paul and Susie who fed us Wednesday night and their daughter Miriam. She was often seen on my shoulders as we walked around camp.
Following dinner the parents came together for the evening teaching. One night John taught at the beginning. I guess he wants to follow in the steps of his old man. The audience of boys and parents were most gracious listeners. This was just one example of how well Johnny was accepted and included throughout the week. He played Uno, bowled on the green, and engaged in cudgel fighting!
I then took over and taught from 7:30 til 9:00.
After the evening session we gathered around campfires. Some nights I would try and teach astronomy. Unfortunately with all of the clouds and a lack of darkness this was difficult. Being at 51° latitude (above Calgary, Alberta) it doesn’t get real dark until 11:30. It was eerie going to bed in the twilight.
On Thursday we said our goodbyes and took a group picture. It was a Brilliant (a wonderfully descriptive word used in the UK) week.
We then headed for London on the train.
The next day we rented a car and drove through the rain (4 inches in parts of England that day) through Sherwood Forest to Mattersey Thorpe NE of London where I met our Math-U-See UK rep and conducted a “Demme”-stration.
Early the next morning we drove back to Woking (SW of London) to spend another night with the Matthews family. Words fail to describe what they meant to our trip. Not only was their home our home-away-from-home but they drove us to the train station, loaned us cell phones, and their kids even played with us!
On Sunday we tried to fly home on standby but didn’t make it. God provided a neat little guest house near Gatwick where we slept in a family room. We ate at a local pub recommended by our hosts. The food was excellent.
On the way back to our lodging we walked through a cemetery. One granite statue caught our attention. The words on the top say, Simply to the cross we cling, taken from Rock of Ages. This was a good reminder that it is only by God’s grace that we were able to go, to minister, and to enjoy just precious fellowship.
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Here is Part 2 of the interview with Dr. David Howard. (Duration 12:10)
If you have not listened to part 1 of this interview it can be found in the previous post.
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This is a recorded phone interview with Steve Demme and Dr. David Howard. Click below to listen. (Duration 8:32)
Dr. David Howard - Former President of the Latin America Mission (LAM), former Director of the World Evangelical Fellowship (WEF) and former Director of the Urbana Inter-Varsity Missions Conference. Dr. Howard attended Wheaton College, there he roomed with Jim Elliott, who married his sister Elisabeth.
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Last week Sandi, Johnny, Ethan, Anna, and I were a part of the Joni & Friends Family Retreat. This was our second year to attend. The theme for the week was Fiesta. So whenever possible we dressed the part.
Here is our shy son
And the rest of his compadres
The families who attend don’t arrive until Monday which gives the Short Term Missionaries, affectionately referred to as STMs, 24 hours to be trained and equipped to minister to their family or individual. These are not professionals in terms of their background or skill, just ordinary people who have a desire to serve and help out any way they can. This particular video shared practical information on how to speak to a person who is deaf and how to interact with an individual in a wheelchair.
After the morning session, off to lunch at the dining hall.
Before the families come, the staff begins matching up STMs with campers. Our son John’s STM was a fellow teenager, G.R. He was extra-ordinary
G.R. met Johnny each morning for breakfast and was with him most of the day eating his meals with him, going to activities, and just being at his side when he needed some encouragement.
One of the afternoon activities is a water slide, which consists of big pieces of plastic, water, and detergent. If a person with a disability goes down the slide he is accompanied by two guides to make sure he stays on track.
Even though Ken has a look of terror, this is one of his favorite events and he made multiple trips down the hill.
Luke left his wheelchair and slid with his mom Carren (supporting his neck). They set the record for the longest run of the week. The look of sheer glee on Luke’s face is a picture I won’t soon forget.
As one of the catchers at the bottom, I had the privilege of seeing many such faces.
You can’t have a camp without a campfire.
Chris is our resident music conductor and choral director. I really enjoy watching him lead us in worship.
Wednesday night we move inside for a talent show. It is a great night. Here are some of the Dad’s showing their stuff. I led the men’s ministry which met each morning from 10:30 to lunch. I have tremendous respect and admiration for these faithful men who are patiently continuing in well doing in difficult situations.
If you recall, last year at this same camp, I lost my hair to raise 200.00 for the recreation fund. It seems to have started a trend. This year, my good friend Jerry, was relieved of his hair for well over 1,000.00. He and his wife Joan help direct the camp and oversee the STMs
Isn’t he cute?
Even though she wasn’t here this year, Joni is a constant reminder and wonderful example to all of us. I reread her book, Joni, during camp as it had been over 25 years since I had read it last as a new believer. It is an incredible story of faith and redemption.
I hope this helps you get a feel for a Joni & Friends Family Retreat. It is a time of joy, refreshment, and encouragement for the families who attend. And it is a life-changing enriching experience for the STMs who come to bless and serve and who end up being blessed themselves. If you want to learn how you can serve as an STM at one of the 17 camps next summer, or attend as one of the campers, go to www.Joniandfriends.org and look up family retreats.
Praise the Lord and Ole!!
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