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.”

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.”

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!

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.”

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.”

A ministry leader in TURKEY reports that people are planning to raid churches and kill church leaders. He requests prayer for the safety and security of his ministry.

Ask God to protect believers who share the Gospel and to soften the hearts of the Muslims who will hear God’s Word. “Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil.”

The Diyanet, TURKEY’S state-run Islamic religious institution, denounced missionary activities this spring. It called such activities “separatist and destructive” and criticized Christians in various professions, such as doctors and teachers, who also share their faith.

Pray that believers will not be intimidated from sharing the Gospel and that their neighbors will be open to it. “Remember Your congregation, which You have purchased of old.”

In TURKEY, a believer’s father and uncle want him dead because of his conversion to Christianity. His cousin stabbed him, probably acting on the uncle’s behalf.

Ask God to heal the believer’s injuries and comfort him. “The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple.”

Despite the opposition his ministry faces from Muslims, a Christian worker in TURKEY has recently shared the Gospel with policemen, a retired judge, a writer, a dentist, a fisherman, and several university students.

Praise God for his tireless ministry! “I know you are enduring patiently and bearing up for My name’s sake, and you have not grown weary.”

A believer in TURKEY was fired when his employer found out about his faith. He is struggling financially.

Pray that God will provide for him, his wife, and two children during this difficult time. “...for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

UPDATE: This October, two Christians in TURKEY were acquitted of “insulting Turkishness.” They were, however, convicted of collecting information on citizens without permission, even though the citizens volunteered their contact information. These two believers have been in a legal battle for over four years for their involvement with a Bible correspondence course.

In TURKEY, a pastor suddenly found out that his landlord might be selling their house. The Christian family needs a new home, but other Muslim landlords are reluctant to rent to a pastor.

Pray that God will provide affordable housing for this dedicated family. “Comfort, comfort my people, says your God.”