Hello! hope your flight was good, and that you are settled because you are about to go on a real finger tour. Welcome to Northern Cyprus! it is indeed a pleasure to have you with us. We, as a church are always glad and thankful to meet with people from different countries all over the world. Truly, the gospel has been preached in many nations and you are a proof of that. As Apostle Paul would say, “I thank my God each time I think of you.” In this case, we thank God each time we think or hear about believers all over the world. Because we love you and we want the best for you as your family, we hereby have a brief word of advice or encouragement for you from your brethren in Christ. May God see you through the rest of this message and for the time of your stay here in Cyprus.
We did not want to bore you, so we decided to make this brief and practical by asking some of our brethren to share a piece of advice with you from their experiences on the island. I hope they are useful.
“Find a Bible-believing church first and commit to them. Find God-fearing friends that will always pull you to the scriptures. Study for your exam not just to pass but to be well-grounded in your field of study.” -ThankGod-
“Always surround yourself with good company. It will have a lot of effect on your lifestyle.” -Debbie-
“Get an understanding of the bus movements quickly; both school and public buses.” Joel
“we know it’s hard to be away from your family and friends, but LPC will be your new family, and I would recommend some friends if you want(?). Whenever you need a listening ear or a wise advice, the church leaders are always open and warm to help you out.” -Ange-
“beware of ‘autostops’ or ‘lifts’ from the old folks on the island. Some are perverts who sexually harass girls for money. Beware of African guys in expensive cars as most are into fraud. If you get caught, you go to jail. The buses are free and available, be attentive to the running times. Update your student permit always to avoid penalties. Serve in the local church so you can learn more and always be in the right company. It wouldn’t be wise to run into relationships without getting to know people first or your environment.”
The summary simply put would be; to make the right associations, avoid every form of greed, serve God in the local church, get to know the island, study hard, and ultimately, share the gospel whenever you have the opportunity to do so. When you make mistakes, remember that Jesus is always there, waiting with arms wide open to receive you if you repent and turn back to him. God is with you on this journey and He will never leave you or forsake you. Do not be ashamed to tell people about the hope you have in Christ. Clearly state your identity doing so in a gentle and humble manner, so that the gospel will not be shamed.
At all times, remember who your Father is.
“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, 25 to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord, be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen. Jude 24-25.
One love in Christ from LPC Youth!
We also asked some of our friends to record a short video of what advise they would give to some one new to the Island.
Find good friends…
Keep focused hold the promises…
Focus and friends…
Find a church…
Find a good church…
