call to prayer

May/June 2008 - Turkish World Outreach, 508 Fruitvale Ct., Grand Junction, CO 81504 USA

Tel. (970) 434-1942, Fax (970) 434-1461, Email: info(at)two-fot.org, Website: www.two-fot.org

1. Abdurrahman Yalçınkaya, chief prosecutor of Turkey’s Supreme Court of Appeals, has presented the Constitutional Court with a 162-page indictment against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP). In it, he claims the party is endeavoring to transform the strictly secular country into an Islamic state. He asks that the AKP be disbanded and that Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan and 69 other party members be banned from politics for a period of five years. In late March, the eleven justices of the Constitutional Court voted unanimously to hear the case. Since it was established 44 years ago, this court has closed 24 political parties and has rejected requests to shut down 16 others. Pray that the outcome of this matter will be in accord with God’s purposes. The case is expected to drag on for several months.

2. Military Chief of Staff General Yaşar Büyükanıt says radical Islamists remain a great threat to the country and use legal associations and foundations as a cover for their operations. Most are funded by foreign sources, especially Wahabi Muslims of Saudi Arabia. Pray that all subversive organizations within the country will be shut down.

3. A senior member of the European Parliament says the EU is losing patience with Turkey’s failure to change Article 301 of the Turkish Penal Code, which severely limits freedom of speech. This law has been used by politicians to silence rivals and uphold ultra-nationalism, and persons tried under it have become targets for assassination. Pray that the government will find it politically advantageous to deal uprightly with this issue.

4. Foreign Minister Ali Babacan calls the uniting of Turkey with the European Union the country’s most important peacetime goal since World War II. But he complains that some EU countries are holding Turkey out because of ill-will. According to a recent poll, at least fifty-nine percent of Europeans oppose Turkish membership. Mr. Babacan says Europe should never think that Turkey has no other options. Prime Minister Erdoğan has reportedly stated that the EU will be the loser if it rejects his nation. Ask God to preside over whatever decisions are made.

5. EU bureaucrats are vocal in their support of the Islamist-based government of the Justice and Development Party because it returned to power last year with 47 percent of the vote. EU Commissioner Olli Rehn says if the nation’s Constitutional Court decides to close the AKP, the European Union may discontinue membership negotiations with Turkey. Pray for God’s will to prevail in this matter.

6. Russia is encouraging Turkey to join the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, a geo-political and military alliance it formed with China and four other countries in 2001. Some believe this coalition may be the rise of Gog and Magog foretold in Scripture. Ask the Lord to lead Turkey in a direction that best fulfills His purposes.

7. MP Çetin Soysal has resigned from a parliamentary commission formed to investigate the murder of Armenian journalist Hrant Dink. He said the group chaired by AKP deputy Mehmet Ocaktan had done nothing and was obviously in place merely for show. Mr. Dink, the Christian editor of a weekly İstanbul newspaper, was shot dead in January 2007 by a teenager with close ties to an ultra-nationalist group mentioned in the next item. Pray that those responsible for his death will be exposed and brought to justice.

8. The European Parliament has commended Turkey for investigating Ergenekon, an ultra-nationalist network with shadowy ties to government and military leaders. At least 44 persons have been arrested so far. It is believed the organization was involved in 2006 in the murder of a Catholic priest in Trabzon and a murderous attack on the Council of State; and also in the 2007 murder of journalist Hrant Dink and the brutal torture and killing of three believers in Malatya. Pray that authorities will uncover any connections between this group and government and military leaders and will zealously prosecute those behind such heinous acts.

9. In October 2006, Christian converts Turan Topal and Hakan Tastan were detained and falsely charged under Article 301 with denigrating Islam and Turkish culture. Last July, the state prosecutor called for their acquittal on grounds that plaintiffs had given contradictory testimonies and no plausible evidence existed to prove the charges. However, a new judge assigned to the case has accepted a new prosecutor’s demands to call additional witnesses. Defense lawyer Haydar Polat told Compass Direct News the only reason extra witnesses are being called is to prolong the case. “There is no other purpose,” he said. Although the trial in Silivri is officially in “open court,” the presiding judge has refused to admit any Turkish or international press at the last two hearings. Kemal Kerinçsiz, the lead prosecution attorney when the case opened in October 2006, was notably absent at the latest hearing on March 13^th. He has been jailed since mid-January on charges of direct involvement in the Ergenekon gang suspected of instigating a string of unsolved murders over the past two decades. The next hearing for the two believers has been set for June 24^th. Pray that God will not allow biased judges or corrupt officials to rule unjustly in this matter or to delay the case any further.

10. In March, the fourth trial hearing against the confessed murderers of three Christians in Malatya was postponed another month after court clerks failed to file a request to replace judges accused of bias. In Turkish courts, three judges decide cases and there are no juries. When the Malatya Third Criminal Court convened in March, the request had not been forwarded to the higher court designated to rule on it. Listing repeated instances of bias and partiality, plaintiff lawyers had demanded a new set of judges at the February 25^th hearing. As a result of the delay, the court in Malatya has issued an accusation of criminal offense against the clerks of the state prosecutor’s office saying their ineptitude has negatively affected the case. Only one of the five murder suspects has testified since the trial began last November, and it appears as if the case is being deliberately stalled to protect wrongdoers behind the scenes. Ask God to overrule all attempts to exempt the guilty from exposure and punishment.

11. Foreign and national believers are experiencing increased opposition. Some who formerly worked openly are now having to be low-key in their efforts. Pray for the Lord’s guidance and protection.

12. A brother in İstanbul says his group is no longer able to get permission for public outreaches. Yet, in spite of this he writes: “We just distributed 2,000 New Testaments in the past week!” These were provided by gifts TWO prayer partners have designated for Turkish Scriptures. Give thanks for generous donors, and please ask the Lord to continually provide open doors for outreach by His co-workers in Turkey.

13. On March 13^th, İstanbul was shaken by an earthquake that measured 4.8 on the Richter scale. Fortunately, damage was limited. Pray that local and national authorities will adequately prepare the city and surrounding area for major tremblors seismologists say could strike at any time. Pray also that believers will be well prepared for such an event.

14. A worker in İstanbul writes: “We preached the Gospel to a group of ten to fifteen garbage scavengers. One man asked us to pray for his arm that had been cut by glass. As we did, he felt the feeling come back; and as the others looked on he prayed to receive the Lord Jesus!” Ask God to bless this man and to make him a testimony to the poverty stricken community in which he lives. Give thanks for those who will see that he is baptized and instructed in the ways of Christ.

15. Believers in Eskişehir tell us, “The Lord’s work has been especially evident in recent weeks as more and more inquirers visit our church. One Sunday, there were so many new people there was hardly enough room for everyone!” Give thanks for this encouraging report, and please pray that the growing number of inquirers will come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.

16. Turk-7 is currently dubbing the Flying House animation series for children and has also begun to broadcast a new television program produced for youngsters by believers in the country. Quality programming for children is an important aspect of their work, and they say it is a joy to receive feedback about the satellite broadcasts from parents. The following is from a young mother in İstanbul: “It is a real encouragement as a Christian parent in Turkey to be able to watch the children’s programs on Turk-7 with my six-year-old son. He loves Spunky and Veggietales, and I am able to teach him many things about our faith through these programs.” Ask for God’s blessing on this fine ministry, and please pray that its viewing audience will dramatically increase.

17. A national research organization recently interviewed 170 persons guilty of honor killings involving women (men are seldom the victims). The study found that social pressure had strongly influenced those who killed their daughters, sisters, mothers or wives. For example, a man in Siirt was hesitant about killing his daughter as a way to “save his honor,” but finally committed the crime when friends and neighbors would not greet him or shake hands with him after Friday prayers at the mosque. Pray that the Holy Spirit will break this cruel and unrelenting mindset.

18. Thousands of Turks have responded to Gospel Letters sent from outside the country. Pray that they will be protected from harassment by nationalists and conservative Muslims. Please also ask for God’s protection of believers involved in their follow-up.

19. Our US Director is applying to foundations for funding of a solar electric system for the TWO office. Our building and climate are ideal for this, and such a system would significantly reduce our monthly costs. Please pray for a favorable response.

20. Turk-7, which broadcasts Turkish Christian television programs to Turkey and other areas via satellite, has appointed Dr. Michael Glenn to oversee its recently established US office. Having served for many years as Executive Vice President of the National Religious Broadcasters Association, Mr. Glenn brings a wealth of experience to the role. Please pray for him as he begins to meet with existing and potential supporters in the US. He may be contacted at: Turk-7, PO Box 1297, Fortson GA 31808, USA, mglenn(at)turk7.org, www.turk7.org, Tel. +1 706-257-1540.

21. Irving Sylvia, who formerly ministered in Turkey and among the Baluch and other Muslim peoples of Iran and Pakistan, passed away peacefully on March 4^th. He had been a frequent visitor to our US office. Praise the Lord for the life of this faithful servant of Christ. Please uphold his widow Betty in your prayers. Cards and words of encouragement may be sent to: Betty Sylvia, 1420 Santo Domingo Avenue, Duarte CA 91010, USA.

22. Please ask for God’s blessing on the 2008 North American Turkish Believers Conference, which will be held in Mesa, Arizona, November 14-17^th. Pray that many Turkish-speaking followers of Christ will attend. Donations to cover costs and provide assistance to Turkish believers otherwise unable to participate would be greatly appreciated. For further information, please contact: Turkish World Outreach, 508 Fruitvale Court, Grand Junction CO 81504, USA, Tel. +1 970-434-1942, Email steve(at)two-fot.org.

23. In the past year, TWO volunteers in North America have sent 58,600 Gospel Letters to homes and businesses in Turkey. For several months, nearly one in ten letters was returned as “undeliverable,” and test mailings indicated deliberate interference by Turkish postal workers. This led us to change the way we process and distribute addresses, and the number of returns has dropped to only two of every 100 letters sent.Thank the Lord for the many volunteers who send the letters at their own expense. Pray that each person will be encouraged in this godly endeavor.

24. After a six-week Bible study, six Turkish men in Levittown, Pennsylvania, put their trust in Christ and were baptized. Pray for their encouragement and blessing. Thank the Lord for the Christian workers who faithfully minister to them. God willing, they will soon begin weekly worship services in Turkish.

25. The European Court of First Instance has overturned a ruling by the EU to freeze assets of the subversive Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The court said it did so on procedural grounds because the EU had failed to notify the terrorist organization beforehand. Pray that the justices of the court will be granted the discernment they presently lack for such matters.

26. Halal meat (ritually clean by Islamic standards) is routinely served in British prisons, schools and hospitals, sometimes to Muslims and non-Muslims alike. The hijab Muslim headscarf is now common in British schools, and Islamic courts operate openly. Pray that the nation’s leaders will awaken to the dangers Islam poses.

27. New Zealand and Turkey have recently signed an accord to promote cooperation and the exchange of information between the two nations’ educational institutions. Pray that this agreement will open many avenues for Christian outreach.

28. A church among Turkish-speaking gypsies in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, has been stagnant for several years, but prayer is bringing change and there are new people in attendance. Ask for God’s continued blessing and encouragement. The faithful couple serving the church asks us to pray that more workers will join them. There is much opportunity for children’s ministry as well as outreach among other age groups.

29. While the number of believers in Turkish churches in Bulgaria has severely declined (out of 12,000 believers hardly 4,000 remain), in recent months there have been positive changes. Weekly prayer nights have continued for over five years; and there was a recent breakthrough at one in Sliven as believers from all over the country attended and reported what the Lord is doing. Those present were especially encouraged by Salih, a paralyzed brother whom the Lord is using to revive the fellowship in Burgas. Pray that the churches will thrive and that persons who have fallen away will be brought back and properly discipled.

30. In Uzbekistan, imprisoned pastor Dmitry Shestakov has been transferred to a harsh labor camp to serve the rest of his four-year sentence for evangelistic activities. Shestakov, who led a church in Andijan, was transferred to Navoi, far away from his wife and three children. His family was not informed of the move, and officials of the government's Religious Affairs Committee have refused to discuss his case. Some members of his congregation have been heavily fined, and others are facing administrative hearings. Ask God to sustain Pastor Dmitry and his family through this difficult time. Pray that the church will be strong in faith and patient endurance.

31. Eduard Kim, of Fergana, Uzbekistan, was recently fined the equivalent of nine months’ wages after a raid on his home by state officials. He and forty other believers had gathered for Sunday morning worship. Please uphold him and the fellowship in your prayers.

32. In the Uzbek capital of Tashkent, Pastor Kamal Musakhanov has been heavily fined for “violating rules on teaching religious doctrines.” A large evangelical church in the same city has been forced to halt all its activities. When asked why the church was stripped of its legal status and property, an official told Forum 18 that it had “violated the laws on religious propaganda,” and that “not everything was in order” in the auction by which the church had purchased its building. Pray for an end to such obvious attacks on peaceful followers of Christ.

33. Ask God to protect and strengthen national pastors and believers in Turkmenistan who are facing increasing persecution. Pray for their growth in faith and bold witness. Ask God to multiply their numbers in countless house churches and to raise up trained godly shepherds.

34. Ask the Lord to bless and protect the translation team preparing the Turkmen Old Testament. Pray for the safe distribution of the completed Pentateuch throughout Turkmenistan.

35. In Kazakhstan, the KNB secret police, Justice Department and Financial Police have stepped up their investigation and questioning of church members across the country since mid-January. A few months ago, the KNB subjected the Grace Church of Almaty to a 17-hour raid. “They checked everybody and everything and confiscated all the computer hardware,” says Dmitri Kan, a church representative. This followed the 15-hour raid of another congregation in Karaganda. Media reports allege the churches are engaged in spying, appropriating members’ properties, failing to file financial information, inciting inter-religious enmity and possessing illegal drugs — although no one has ever been brought before a criminal court. These false accusations appear to be made to gain public approval for the closing down of the Almaty church and other congregations throughout the nation. Pray that the churches will rest under the wings of the Almighty and experience His empowerment and protection.

36. Turkish and Greek Cypriots have opened a major crossing point in the divided capital of Nicosia. Ledra Street was barricaded following violence between the Turkish and Greek communities in 1964 and had become a symbol of the island’s partition. The two communities have been divided since 1974, when Turkey deployed troops following a coup by Greek Cypriots wanting to unite the island with Greece. In February, President Demetris Christofias of the Greek zone and President Mehmet Ali Talat of the Turkish sector agreed to open the street and dismantle all barriers. Both leaders appear to have the political will to reunify the island. Pray for their guidance and success, and for the goodwill and support of their communities.

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