more prayers for Turkey

I just received news from a friend who served in Turkey with fresh reasons for us to pray: the pastor/Apostle that CLC is connected to in Ankara, a man who is perhaps the leading voice for Christians in that predominantly-Muslim nation, was recently criticized by the Prime Minister for his strong remarks regarding the recent murders of 3 Christian men in the city of Malatya.

Here's the news I received just tonight:

Today (Wednesday, May 23) an interview with our friend and pastor, Ihsan, was on the front page of a national paper in Turkey; it was well done, mostly just quoting what Ihsan said, without giving it any negative spin. Here are the points he made:

• In Malatya someone has made a list of the believers and workers, including pictures of many, and it is being circulated hand to hand, the purpose being to encourage action against the believers. 15 of the 30 members of the church have left.
• Believers in Malatya say that as a result when they are recognized on the street, people look at them and make a throat-cutting motion, meaning, "you're next!"
• One worker's name, picture and address were published in a national paper, again an encouragement to act against him.
• The "secret" depostion of the leading murderer was illegally leaked to the press by the police (the papers told enquirers that the police had supplied it). In the report he accused the murdered believers of outrageous things, like being linked to terrorists, of running a prostitution ring to attract people to Christianity, of insulting Turkey and Islam, etc. He also named believers from other cities whom he had met; their names and addresses and in some case pictures were in the paper; this is a common way of encouraging people to act against the believers.
• In Ankara two men took pictures of the entrance to the Christian radio station; this is the first step in planning an attack on a place. Fortunately they were clearly photographed by the survailence camera and the footage has been given to the police.
• On the same day two men took pictures of the entrance to our bookstore; when questioned by our employee they claimed to be taking pictures of the floor beneath us!
• Police protection was requested by the radio station and other places in Ankara 4 weeks ago, but no reply yet; when questioned by a news reporter, the govenor's office said they'd given an order long ago to the police to provide protection, but no action or word.
• A church in another city that had an arson attempt on it a couple of weeks ago had requested police protection and got it. But last Saturday night the guards were called away to other duties, and while they were gone windows were broken in the church and molotov cocktails were thrown at it, setting a car outside on fire.
• All this points to some authorities using the aftermath of the murders to harrass and incite attacks on believers. The goal, we believe is to destroy the church and drive workers away.

This morning my daily reading was in Matthew 5; verses 10-13 speak to the situation: "Blessed are those who are persecuted because of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you." It is no coincidence that this was my reading for the day. We need to be rejoicing in the privilege of suffering for the name of Christ. Pray that all the believers and workers will have this attitude, forgiving and rejoicing in each new wave of negative happenings. God has a sequel to each difficulty. Let's also pray for protection for all and wisdom in how to proceed. Especially pray for protection for the bookstore.

Chris and I will be traveling to Ankara this September to speak at the annual conference for our friend and his network of churches, and we truly believe that Turkey is CLC's next 'assignment' from the Lord - so please join us in lifting our brothers and sisters there before the Lord, for His favor & blessing.