I’ve been in Turkey for some years now because of my work. I have a lot of free time, so I spend it translating some books of spirituality from Italian to Turkish. I spend hours and days in front of the computer, sweating it out to be able to translate materials of Christian spirituality into the Turkish language – a country without Christian roots. At times I would ask myself if what I was doing wasn’t useless, but then I would entrust all my difficulties to the Father. The work I was doing did have a meaning – that of giving Him my time and efforts.

A change of life
I was about to leave for vacation, when the typographer who printed those books phoned me. “I found out that you’re leaving,” he said, “I need to speak to you urgently.” When he came to see me the next morning, I could hardly recognize him. He had lost weight, he looked run down and his eyes were red, as if he had been crying. I let him in and offered him a cup of coffee. “I’m sorry if I have to disturb you,” he started at once, ”but I feel I cannot but tell you what happened to me. Do you know that the book you asked me to print has changed my whole life? I read it over and over again, and it gave me an unimaginable strength, so much so that I was able to start life all over again. My wife left me a month and a half ago. I couldn’t believe it could happen after 26 years of marriage, but our family has been ruined by witchcraft, the evil eye … By the way, do you believe in these things?”

A strength greater than any difficulty
I answered no, and that I believed instead in the Almighty God who guides our lives. He then said, “This is what I understood, as I read that book. How I wish my wife would read it, too. You know,” he continued, “I got to the point of wanting to commit suicide. I’ve actually tried it twice, without success. I used to be on psychiatric treatment, but now I’ve stopped going and have also stopped taking medicines. I understood that within me I have a greater strength which enables me to overcome all difficulties. The central idea I found in that book is like a treasure that I will always keep close to my heart.”
My friend, the typographer, was slowly discovering a God who is living, who is near and helps those who are in need. I promised him that I would pray for his wife’s return. When he left, he seemed changed, younger and lighter.

R.M. – Turkey

Translated from Quando Dio interviene – Esperienze da tutto il mondo Città Nuova Editrice 2004