OM's ministries in TURKEY

Turkey is Located in the continents of Asia and Europe, the ancient
land of Turkey is a bridge between East and West. Rich in biblical sites,
it was conquered by Turkish armies coming out of Central Asia to
become the centre of the Muslim world. Modern Turkey aspires to
be part of Europe and has a functioning democracy and constitutional
freedom of religion. The current population is 71 million, 20% of whom
are Kurds. After decades of instability and mismanagement there has
been a recent upsurge in the economy, allowing for the emergence
of an urban middle class.

To be Turkish is to be Muslim and this deep national pride has severely
hindered church growth. Workers have served in Turkey since the early
1960s but there are still only around 3,000 Muslim background believers
scattered over 95 small churches. Believers are generally able to worship
openly although they may suffer discrimination and slander from their
families and communities. Rising nationalism has led to recent attacks
on believers.

Most Turks are suspicious of those who leave Islam to follow Christ.
In recent months a growing wave of hostility has been mounting
against believers, taking the form of negative media coverage, attacks
church buildings and general harassment.

Yet God is doing amazing things! A key ministry of OM in Turkey is
the Bible Correspondence Course (BCC). This provides New Testaments
and basic Bible Study resources to anyone who wants them at
absolutely no cost. Word is spread through adverts in national newspapers,
sponsorship of free Christian concerts, participation in book fairs,
up-to-date web-sites and good old fashioned word-of-mouth.

Over 32,000 people have contacted BCC in the last 3 years.
Through the extensive follow-up by local and foreign believers
around the country, many have come to faith in Jesus. In fact,
most of the churches outside the major cities are comprosed almost
entirely of BCC contacts. A recent outreach in the Black Sea area
identified 450 people requesting a visit. Groups of Turkish believers
contacted many of them. One man they went to see had waited
10 years for someone to come and visit!

Testimony from some Turkish believers:
I received the books "Beyond Religion" nad the New Testament
and was greatly touched while reading them. I am sending you the
answer sheet and impatiently wait for your next letter and materials.
Please write or call me and please don't leave me alobe. (Azru)

I read the booklet you sent and am sending my answers to your course.
I am sharing my knowledge and light i'm receiving with those around
me. After getting in touch with you i believe i will be able to fill the
emptiness inside me. I carry New Testament you sent in my jacket
pocket wherever i go and read it when i have spare time. (Ali)

Prayer request for Turkey:
pray that Turkish believers would be bold and strong during
the current harrasment and persecution.

For more info about OM, please visit
http://www.om.org/