With the dark waters of the Black Sea to the north and the crystal beaches of the Mediterranean to the south, Türkiye bridges the gap between the Middle East and Europe. Home to the majestic Nur mountains and the lively old city of Istanbul, it’s no wonder that Türkiye is among one of the most travelled to countries in the world.
For many Syrians, however, going to the country as a carefree tourist is but a dream. For millions, it is a terrifying journey that means leaving behind home, family and friends. Around 3.6 million Syrian refugees currently live in Türkiye, and Fatima* is one of them.
Fatima left her home and country in order to protect her family from war. She landed in a city where she soon found a Community Centre distributing food weekly to refugees where she went to collect food and stayed to receive prayer.
Soon, she started bringing her Muslim friends along, not to receive food, but to receive prayers from Jesus followers. There, she met Serah*, a believing Turkish volunteer. "Please come and visit me in my home," Fatima shyly invited.
When Serah and a friend arrived, six of Fatima's neighbours were already waiting in the small living room. Together, they sat on the floor and ate a delicious meal of spiced rice and vegetables, generously made on their small budget.
Fatima said, “I invited my neighbours here so that you can pray for healing for them!” This was the start of weekly visits and telling Bible stories to about 15 ladies.
The ladies started sharing about dreams and visions they had of Jesus. First, it was Aisha*. “I keep having dreams of a very bright light. Do you know what this means?” she asked. When asked when these dreams started, she replied: “Well, a few years ago, I died, and I went above my body. But then I heard the voice of God say: ‘Your time isn’t up yet’. I came back into my body, and since then, I’ve had these dreams.”
The two visitors were amazed. They explained, “God has a very special plan for your life. And this bright light is Jesus. He is not only the Son of God, but He is God. When you are ready to accept Him, we would love to pray for you.” Aisha knew that God had already been inviting her to Him. She very quickly accepted. Next, her sister came to faith. Then another couple believed too.
Please pray for those who are refugees to find their true hope in Jesus. Please pray for those who had dreams and visions to seek and find Jesus. Please pray for those in need, that they would see God providing in creative ways.
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Charlotte's family moves from the UK to Turkey to help locals get involved in missions.
Searching for truth, Ahmet travels to Africa and Europe before returning to Turkey to share Jesus with his family and friends.
At 04:00 on 6 February 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by several large aftershocks, took place near the city of Gaziantep, Türkiye, in the southeastern part of the country. People across Türkiye, Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel were reported to have felt it. Since then, OM's partners have responded to help many.
In the midst of the destruction caused by earthquakes in Turkey, small communities of Jesus followers continue to demonstrate what it means to love one another.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake on 6 February 2023 surprised people across Turkey and surrounding countries, but God is still at work in painful times.
The 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Turkey shifted Jabari's ministry to Syrian refugees from primarily on social media to in person. He and his wife now see an openness in many to hear the good news.
Over a year ago, early in the morning of February 6th, 2023, a 7.8 magnitude earthquake, followed by large aftershocks, took place in the southeastern part of Turkey. Syria, Lebanon, Cyprus and Israel also felt its effects. Teams in Turkey wanted to encourage communities of Jesus followers to bring relief and help to those affected.
People impacted by an earthquake in 2023, experienced the love of Christ through Jesus followers eager to help.
In serving and loving those who had come to the table, one family found their hope restored after an earthquake destroyed their home.
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