“You are a foreigner and not a Muslim, but you are my brother,” the market vendor said in Turkish.

“What did she just say?” I turned to the Coals for a translation.

As they interpreted for me, I exclaimed, “Wow! Well, I can’t disagree with that.”

I quickly responded to the woman, “Yes, I am your brother, and you are my younger sister. I am very pleased to meet you.”

I was accompanying the Coals on a visit to the bazaar to buy some groceries. I always enjoy visiting those places. Vendors often offer food samples, and I love to taste the wonderful flavors of the local fruits and vegetables.

Also, the bazaar is a great place to meet people and have conversations like this one, which I was able to participate in, thanks to the Coals’ interpreting for me. At first it was just a friendly chat, but then the conversation took a spiritual turn, and this lady made the statement about me being her brother. To say I was surprised at her comment would be an understatement. I was delighted! At the end of our conversation, she handed me a bag of fresh tomatoes. We were about to pay for it, but she refused. That little incident cheered me for the rest of the day.

I have met so many kind and caring people in Turkey. Wouldn’t it be great if we could reach these people with the good news about Jesus and what He has done for them? Please continue to pray for the Muslims of Turkey.

• Twitter