Day 29. Turks in Turkey (TERK)
61,482,000
Turkish
Islam
Turkey has long been the crossroads of civilizations and was the first area where the Good News was welcomed by Greeks and Armenians. It was a leading Christian area for 1000 years. Muslim Turkic peoples from Central Asia migrated into Turkey in the 11th century, interposing Islam, intermarrying and eventually taking Constantinople in 1453 (now Istanbul).
Today Turkey is the only secular republic with a majority Muslim population. Turkish law is not based on Islamic law, but European republic legal systems. Turkey’s people are mostly educated, modern, and materialistic. They enjoy productive agriculture and a great climate. Minority peoples like Christian Armenians and Muslim Kurds are not always treated well. Many Turks also live in Germany and other countries.
The prophets of Judaism and Christianity are generally respected by Turks, who desire to be accepted by modern Europe. However, memories of wars with “Christians” result in the people of Turkey remaining strong Muslims despite continuous exposure to true followers of Jesus and to various translations of Scripture into Turkish.
Prayers for the families of the Turks:
Lord, touch the hearts of Turkish families to understand that Jesus is for them too, not just for their age-old enemies the Christians. Help true Jesus followers in Turkey to love the Turks as their brothers and sisters, blessing them in His Name.
Jesus, send out Your Scriptures in the Turkish language in ways that the Muslims will hear it as coming to them from You, the One True God. Open their hearts and minds with Your Spirit to understand Your Word and who Jesus really is.
Lord, bless Turkish families who know and follow Jesus whether they live in Turkey, in the Turkish diaspora in Europe or elsewhere. Protect them from persecution and give them courage. Protect believers in the minority groups like the Kurds and Armenians as well.
Proclaim God’s love for Turks praying they: may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-2)