In 1999, I was invited to lead a band to represent the Turkish Government's Department of Tourism. It was an interesting opportunity, so I put together a variety of friends from around the country. It was a great group of guys—a funny group, a mature group of players. I knew that once they were together, they would connect, and they did.
There was humor. There was some anger. There were frustrations. But then again, we had traveled thousands of miles together, often playing in the heat and dust of Turkey.
When we got off the plane, my wife Crystal, our daughter Kate, and I were greeted by the national media, which was a big surprise. I guess we were sort of rock stars. The government, of course, was promoting this, so they needed a lot of footage.
We did a few events beginning in the southern portion of the country, moving north into the different regions of Turkey where the Apostle Paul's journeys took him.
A Shadow in Ishmet
The story I'm focusing on took place, I believe, in the town of Ishmet. We had been told what happened there the year before.
"...a man had come to an event and thrown a grenade into a tent where they were distributing Christian materials. A mother and child were killed."
Now, that tends to get your attention. At least, it got mine.
As the leader of this band, my purpose was to connect relationally with Jesus and to offer that relationship to those who were present. We were a jazz-based group, and amazingly enough, jazz was very popular in Turkey. We had good audiences wherever we performed.
The Concert Begins
As we began the concert in Ishmet, the crowd was good-sized. The venue was indoors, and once we got set up, had sound checks, and were rolling, I didn't think about the grenade anymore. I was enjoying the concert and the audience.
But a short while into my gospel presentation—into presenting my life in Christ—two young men walked into the back of the room. This wasn't unusual in itself, but these two young men were wearing floor-length coats, like the dusters cowboys wear in rainy or dusty weather.
It was August in Turkey. It was very hot and very dry. There was no need for any coats whatsoever. We were all wishing we could wear shorts and T-shirts.
The Men in Long Coats
And here are these two young men, wearing floor-length coats. I was probably a quarter of the way into my presentation when, all of a sudden, the thought of a grenade and a mother and child dying came rushing back into my memory.
"Why in August are two men wearing floor-length coats? Why are they standing at the back of the room? And why did they come in right as I was beginning the gospel presentation?"
As I continued, one of them reached slowly inside his coat.
A Moment of Truth
I have to admit, I began to question what I should do. Do I continue? Do I put this crowd at risk? Do I put my own life, my wife's and daughter's lives, and the band at risk?
I had a choice to make. Do I walk in fear of what will come, or do I continue with the message of my heart?
I was watching them closely, cautiously. But I decided in that moment that if this was going to be my last moment—if something was going to happen that would radically take me out of this world—then I might as well go out telling my heart's story of how Jesus changed my life.
An Unexplained Exit
It was interesting. After I made that decision, the young man took his hand out of his coat. The two men looked at each other, shrugged their shoulders, and walked out of the room.
I've often wondered what was going through their minds to shrug their shoulders and leave. Did they see something that we didn't see? Was there angelic activity that we weren't aware of? Did something strike them in their spirits? I don't know.
I only knew that day that it was feasible our lives were saved.
It's also feasible that he just had an itch.
Final Thoughts
We all have our moments in life when we have to make radical changes or decisions. I'll never forget that hot August day when two Turkish cowboys showed up.
How about you? Have you had a story similar to mine?
Are you enjoying this story? Read more in my book, Curious Tales of a Common Man.
A Prayer
Father,
Thank you for the gift of another day and the chance to share the message of Jesus, even amid fear. We stand here today, much like that hot August day in Turkey, faced with the unknown and the choices we must make. We pray for the courage to live out our faith boldly and share our heart's story, no matter the circumstances. We ask for protection from hidden dangers and unexpected threats that lurk in the shadows. Let our lives be a testament to your power and grace, a beacon of hope for those who need it most. We don't know what the future holds, but we trust that you are with us, guiding us, and protecting us every step of the way. We thank you for the angels you send, the small miracles, and the peace that comes from knowing you are in control. May we always choose faith over fear, and may our lives bring glory to your name.
Amen
Key Takeaway
You know, looking back at that day in Turkey, and really looking at all the hot August days we face, the real message isn't just about what happened with those two guys in the coats. It's deeper than that. It's about those moments when fear tries to grab hold, when everything in you screams to back down, to play it safe.
But then, you have to ask yourself: What do I truly believe? What's the story of my heart that needs to be told, no matter the cost? For me, it was about sharing Jesus. And in that choice, in that moment of stepping out, something shifted. Was it angels? Was it just a random itch? I don't know for sure, but I do know this: when you lean into your conviction, when you decide to live out your faith even when the path isn't clear, that's when you see the unseen. That's when you realize that courage isn't the absence of fear, but the decision to keep going anyway. And that, my friends, is a story worth living, and a story worth sharing.
Questions for Discussion
The Nature of Courage: In moments of intense fear or perceived danger, what factors do you believe enable someone to choose courage and conviction over self-preservation?
Unseen Forces: When considering the possibility of angelic activity or spiritual intervention, how do you reconcile such occurrences with your own understanding of faith, providence, or the unknown?
The Power of Testimony: If the goal is to "present the life of Christ, a life in Christ, and a relational connection with Jesus," how important is personal testimony in conveying that message, especially in potentially hostile or unfamiliar environments?
Defining "Radical Change": We all have our moments in life when we have to make radical changes or decisions. Can you identify a "hot August day" moment in your own life where you faced a significant choice that tested your beliefs or resolve?
Responding to the Unknown: When faced with an ambiguous threat, where the outcome is uncertain (like the men shrugging and leaving), how do you process the experience afterward? What lessons can be drawn from situations where you don't get a clear explanation for what happened?
Call to Action
1. Identify Your Moment of Truth:
Recognize the "Men in Long Coats": What are the sources of fear, doubt, or opposition in your own life? Are they internal (self-doubt, past failures)? Or are they external (criticism from others, challenging circumstances)?
Pinpoint the Decision Point: When are you most confronted by these fears? Is it when you are about to share your beliefs? Or is it when you are pursuing a goal or passion?
2. Choose Your Response:
Ask the Core Question: In that moment, which path will you choose? Will you walk in fear of what might happen? Will you continue with the message of your heart?
Make a Conscious Commitment: Decide that your purpose is more important than your fear. - If this were your last opportunity, what would you want to be known for doing?
3. Share Your Story:
Reflect on Your Experience: Think about a time you had to make a radical decision in the face of fear.
Connect with Others: Share your story with someone who needs encouragement. Engage in conversations about faith, fear, and purpose.
4. Engage Further
Answer the Author's Question: Do you have a story similar to this one?
Seek Understanding: Do you have questions about the events in Turkey or the decisions made?
5 Steps to Go Deeper: From Fear to Conviction
This exercise is designed to help you apply the lesson from the "Cowboys in Turkey" story to your own life.
Identify Your “Men in Long Coats”: What are the "long coats" in your life? What situations, fears, or internal voices appear when you are about to step into your purpose or share your "heart's story"? Is it the fear of failure, public rejection, financial insecurity, or disappointing others? Be honest about what truly stops you.
Articulate Your “Heart’s Story”: What is your core message? If you had to distill your most profound beliefs, values, and passions into a single story, what would it be? This isn't just a career goal; it is the truth you feel compelled to live and share. In one or two sentences, write down your "heart's story." Make it so clear and concise that you could call it to mind in a moment of intense pressure.
Face the Moment of Truth: Visualize one of your fears from Step 1 appearing at the exact moment you try to live out your story from Step 2. Feel the tension of that choice. Acknowledge the powerful arguments for playing it safe and retreating. Ask yourself: "Do I walk in fear of [your fear from Step 1] or do I continue with [your heart's story from Step 2]?" Speak the question out loud to make it tangible.
Make the “Last Moment” Decision: How does your perspective change when you treat the moment of decision as if it were your last opportunity? What becomes most important? Make a conscious, deliberate choice right now. Declare to yourself using your own words: "Even if I'm afraid, and even if the outcome is uncertain, I will choose my heart's story. If this is my moment, I will go out on my terms, true to my convictions."
Act Without Needing to Know Why They "Shrugged": The story ends with ambiguity—the men shrug and leave. Are you waiting for a sign that it's safe before you act? Are you waiting for your fear to "shrug and walk away" before you move forward? Identify one small, tangible step you can take this week to act on your "heart's story." Do it with the understanding that the fear may not vanish. Your job is not to control the outcome, but to take the step. Send the email, make the call, write the first page, and have the conversation. Act.