Last year, one of the first people from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus (TRNC) was baptized. As a new member this sister recently attended the Rome Temple for the first time. We needed to get her interview! We went to Nicosia to meet her and schedule a time. We were delighted to learn that she wanted to do her interview right away. Like that day! So, we found an out of the way place, the Branch President’s office, (the Sunday School class that usually met there went outside to have their class under the trees,) and we began!
Luckily, we had all the questions prepared in Turkish and English. When she began talking we had no idea what she was saying or where she was in the interview. It wasn’t until we translated her interview did we understand the full impact of her testimony, and her example. (BTW – Her interview is classed SPC for sacred, personal, or confidential. Because she lives in a Muslim country, we don’t share her name.)
She said: After the Turkish invasion of Cyprus in 1974, her family took her to a burned out christian church. She stood there for a long time, feeling the presence of a divine power. Over the years, she often wondered about that spirit but she never felt anything like it again until she traveled to England where someone handed her a piece of paper on the street. She couldn’t read it, but the person next to her explained that it was a flyer about the second coming of Christ.
This piqued her interest. She had heard of the Muslim Jesus, but she hadn’t heard of the Christian Jesus. Curious, she sent for a Bible and began studying. Through social media she discovered The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and received a copy of the Book of Mormon. She met with the missionaries and began participating in an on-line Turkish-language scripture study class in Istanbul.
Continuing revelation, modern prophets, and Christ’s ministry in the Americas deeply resonated with her and helped answer many of her questions. She felt repeatedly guided by Jesus Christ to join the Church. So, despite opposition from family members she was baptized.
She began preparing herself for the Temple and was able to go the next year. She describes her temple experience as life-changing. It has strengthened her testimony, increased her feeling of God’s closeness, and continues to motivate her to serve as a “light” in her community
We were amazed and delighted with the transcripts of her story. I thanked her again by text. She responded:
“I also want to express my sincere gratitude. Sharing my experience with you has made me extremely happy. I am thankful.”
I felt buoyed up! The interviews we do as Church History missionaries strengthen testimony! Ours and Theirs!
Sometimes I’ve pondered how the plan of salvation and the Gospel can reach people living in oppressive environments.This sister clearly demonstrated that you can follow God’s light even in an oppressive society. And she has been doing it for over 40 years!
It reminds me of this scripture in Moroni 7:19 —
Wherefore, I beseech of you, brethren, that ye should search diligently in the light of Christ that ye may know good from evil; and if ye will lay hold upon every good thing, and condemn it not, ye certainly will be a child of Christ.
The Lord knows his people and he searches them out and finds them wherever they are.
Now we need to carve His image on the fleshy tables of our hearts:-)
