If you can see it, you can have it
Hello Dear Friends!
God is inviting us into new beginnings. Can you believe it? Can you sense the possibilities waiting just beyond the horizon?
The late Brother Norvel Hayes often spoke of visionary faith: “If you can see it, you can have it.” He wasn’t referring to physical sight, but to perceiving with the heart — seeing through the lens of spiritual insight. This kind of faith calls us to envision what God has promised before it appears in our everyday lives. Scripture reminds us that faith is “the assurance of what we hope for and the certainty of what we do not see” (Hebrews 11:1).
That truth came alive for me in May as I traveled to Amsterdam and Turkey.
Amsterdam is a vibrant city of bicycles, canals, and culture. I was blessed to see the tulips in bloom — flowers that actually originated in Turkey before becoming a symbol of Holland.
Turkey itself is breathtaking, a land bridging Europe and Asia, bordered by eight countries and three seas (Black, Aegean & Mediterranean). From the Hittites and Greeks to the Romans, Byzantines, and Ottomans, it has been a cradle of civilizations. The modern republic was founded in 1923, yet its ancient roots run deep.
What moved me most was discovering how much of the early Christian church began here. Paul was born in Tarsus, preached in Ephesus, and wrote letters to the Galatians and Colossians — both communities in Anatolia. Antioch was the first church and where believers were first called Christians. Tradition holds that the Apostle John cared for St. Mary in Ephesus and where they both died. The Apostle Philip was martyred in Hierapolis and where his tomb remains. The Book of Revelation speaks of the “Seven Churches of Asia,” which are all in western Turkey. And the First Council of Nicaea in 325 AD — a cornerstone of Christian history — was held in Turkey.
The landscapes are just as inspiring. Istanbul (formerly Constantinople, was bustling with activity. If you can imagine it, you can get it in Istanbul.
İzmir, ancient Smyrna, is a stylish coastal city with a slower rhythm. Ephesus and nearby Kuşadası are nestled among mountains and have a beautiful coast and where St. Mary’s last home was and where her ascension is still celebrated on August 15th.
Pamukkale, the “Cotton Castle,” dazzles with its travertine thermal pools.
Antalya, the Turkish Riviera, offers Mediterranean cliffs and turquoise waters.
Cappadocia enchants with its valleys, fairy chimneys, and surreal rock formations. Scattered across this landscape are hundreds of ancient “rock churches,” their walls still bearing faded frescoes, and vast underground cities that once sheltered as many as 15,000 early Christians. It took every ounce of yoga breathing for me to descend four levels through narrow tunnels into one of these subterranean refuges. As I stood there, all I could think was: thank God they endured persecution with such courage, carrying the good news faithfully through the generations—until it reached my own heart. They epitomized the kind of faith Brother Norval spoke of.
I learned so much in three weeks that I could write endlessly — but like a good film, I’ll leave space for you to experience it yourself.
Heather and I would love to invite you to join us in September for a journey to Budapest. It’s a central hub that makes it easy to add nearby destinations. Take a look at the itinerary HERE and reach out with questions or for tips on how to customize the trip for you.
BTW, the picture is of my sisters Amy and Susie who were with me in Istanbul. We had a great time being really present in the moment, eating great food, shopping and of course reminiscing.
With all my love,
Hanan
