Turkey
During the first millennium of church history, Turkey was a bastion of Christianity. However, through much of the second millennium Turkey became a stronghold and propagator of Islam. During the 20th century Christianity declined from 22% of the population to less than 1% today. There are slightly more than 3000 evangelical believers in Turkey.
Turkey has considered itself a secular state since the time of Ataturk in 1923, but Islam has become much more important politically in recent years. “To be a Turk is be a Muslim” in the eyes of the people, even if only culturally Muslim. Acute pressure from family, government intimidation, and Islamist threats keep many from accepting Christ and cause others to be “secret believers”.
Many Turkish citizens believe that Christians are trying to brainwash people, turn them against the country, and spy for other nations. Government officials make negative statements about followers of Jesus. One frequent slur against believers is a charge that Christians pay Muslims to convert to Christianity. “More than half of the population of…Turkey opposes members of other religions holding meetings or publishing materials to explain their faith.” Almost 40% of Turks said they had very negative views of Christianity. Because of this constant stream of propaganda, there have been many attacks against Christians.
In April 2007 five Muslim “seekers” attended a Bible study at a Christian publishing house in Malatya, along with two Turkish converts and one German missionary. The Muslims stabbed and cut the throats of the two Turkish believers and the missionary. Recently, a Muslim left his home “determined to kill a Christian that day.” When one Christian left the local church, this man accosted him and stabbed him to death. The attacker carried a note that said “I love my homeland. Those who disagree with my thoughts or don’t like them can get out of my country.” The government does little to hinder these attacks and has arrested several Christians on charges of “insulting Turkishness.”
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Turkey
Ministry Seeks Secure Location
One of our ministry partners in TURKEY is searching for a place to hold youth camps this summer. In the past their ministry has faced rejection from camp owners, broken promises, vandalism, and theft.
Ask God to provide a safe and secure location for this year’s camps. “For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.”
Provision for a Church in Turkey
At the point of signing a contract to rent space for a church, one of our ministry partners in TURKEY was turned away by a landlord who feared Muslim neighbors might cause trouble. But God provided another location for the church to meet.
Thank Him for His provision! “By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.”
Christians Watched, Denied Aid
The earthquakes in TURKEY last fall created a dangerous situation for over 150 Christian Iranian asylum seekers. They were often denied aid, and agents of the Iranian government watched aid stations to identify refugees. UN refugee facilities in the region closed down. Many of the destitute were forced to seek help in other cities, despite the legal trouble they could face for leaving their assigned city.
Pastor Threatened, Converts Struggle
A pastor in TURKEY says that he and other pastors receive continual threats by phone and mail. His friend who became a Christian worried about his employment, because in many jobs like his workers can be expected to lie. The pastor says, “It is very difficult for Christians to find a job.”
Ask God to give the pastor and MBBs courage. “For it was fitting that He, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering.”
Our Refuge and Strength
An incredible story came out of the earthquake zone in Turkey earlier this year. As the quake shook a church building on that Sunday afternoon, people rushed outside. Throughout the region, many people were killed and trapped inside fallen buildings. But the pastor of this church went back toward the building’s wall and started praying. He prayed that it would survive and stand as a witness. God answered his prayer. The church became a refuge and a center for aid to the community. God is good!
Convert Pressured by Family
One of our ministry partners in TURKEY reports that a Muslim background believer he has been discipling is facing pressure from family members because of his faith in Jesus.
Pray that this young man will be strong in the Lord. “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, especially to those who are of the household of faith.”
Hope on the Radio
Our ministry partner in West Africa began a radio station that reaches over 2 million listeners. One of those listeners is “Abibata,” who converted to Christianity from Islam several years ago. She was struggling in her morning devotions and Christian life. God used the radio ministry to strengthen her with Christian songs, Bible lessons, and preaching.
Land to be Returned
In August, the government of TURKEY announced that certain Christians will be permitted to apply for the recovery of properties that were confiscated many years ago.
Pray that the process will be just and that Christians will have restored to them their schools, hospitals, churches, cemeteries, stores, factories, and houses. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”
Church Scorned
After seven years of trying to get a license from the local government, a house church in TURKEY finally succeeded in being recognized as a place of worship. Soon afterward, a government official criticized new churches, calling them “stooges for Zionist activities.” Believers feel they are seen as deceivers who have a secret agenda.
Pray for perseverance for this congregation. “Nevertheless, in Your great mercies You did not make an end of them or forsake them, for You are a gracious and merciful God.”
Believer in Danger
One of our ministry partners in TURKEY is in a dangerous situation and requests prayer for wisdom and protection. He boldly shares the gospel with Muslims, despite opposition.
Please pray with him that he and his family will not be made captive by fear. “O Lord, let Your ear be attentive...to the prayer of Your servants who delight to fear Your name.”