Turkey
History of Plymouth Brethren work in Turkey
Turkey has been described as the “largest unreached nation on earth” (in Operation World edited by Patrick Johnstone.)1 With a population of 75 million people there are only about 3000 Christians in Turkey with Turkish citizenship (0.004%). Some 45 million people are under age 25. The need of the hour is for consecrated laborers (Turkish and foreign). There is great anticipation of a coming harvest even as the pressure on Christians increases.
|
[edit] History of assembly movement in Turkey
Anthony Norris Groves had a pioneer's vision like Paul's (Rom.15:20). In 1829 he moved to Baghdad in the Turkish Ottoman Empire. 2 After him many caught this vision and pioneered work in some the least reached areas of their day. In 1881 George Müller visited Turkey. 3 The modern era of Christian work in Turkey was started by two 19 year olds who came from North American assemblies in Chicago area in 1961 (Wheaton College students, serving with OM). Steve & Diane Richards discipled key leaders in the 70's. David & Jeni Goodman served in Adanda. David was shot to death at his front door in 1979. Jeni publicly forgave the killers. The Richards' and Goodman's served with OM. There are many others whose names are not mentioned here.
[edit] Current Work (2008)
[edit] Church
- Overall, there are 75-100 Evangelical churches in Turkey and perhaps 1000 long term Turkish and foreign evangelical workers.
- Approximately 50 workers/elders (Turkish citizens and foreign) have ties to the assembly movement and are serving in 7 cities with 15 church fellowships (often on teams from different Christian backgrounds).
[edit] Workers Elders Conference
- In April 2008 the first (in over 10 years) workers/elders conference was held for those with ties to the assembly movement. About 30 workers/elders participated.
- We hope to hold a similar conference with a few years (and perhaps combine it with a regional conference with workers from other nations in the region). We would love to have visitors participate in the next conference who are interested in sending new workers to Turkey, supporting the existing work, or considering moving to Turkey as workers.
[edit] Opposition
There has been an increase in threats and violence against evangelicals and other minorities of Christian background over last 2-3 years. 3 evangelical workers were brutally murdered in April 2007. 4 In the years before that an Armenian Orthodox reporter and a Roman Catholic priest were killed. There is tremendous social pressure which is felt keenly by local and foreign elders and workers, especially in the East and in smaller cities. In late 2009 two Turkish leaders from different cities in fled Turkey along with their families due to threats.
[edit] Video
Work is progressing well on a 30 minute documentary entitled "The New Testament Documents - Are They Reliable?" The film, which will be made in English and dubbed into Turkish for secular distribution, will include the Rylands Library P52 fragment and an interview with Bishop Michael Nazir Ali.
[edit] Training
- Some are involved in a ministry which seeks to equip Turkish believers and church leaders who serve the Lord in several major cities by training them in general Bible knowledge, church history, doctrine, and Christian life and service.
- Another discipleship program that started in one city is being used as a model in other areas.
- Several other workers are involved in a video-based Bible teaching and theological training program.
[edit] Outreach
- Street outreach has been going on in one city for over a year and is spreading to other cities.
- A drama outreach and training for local and short term workers is starting in another city.
- Bible Correspondence courses are still one of the most effective means of outreach in Turkey.
[edit] Literature
- Two booklets that answer the most common questions of seekers are being distributed widely for free.
- Many Bible study books, Christian books and evangelistic books are being published and distributed, including:
- William MacDonald's Believer's Bible Commentary has been translated into Turkish and had being distributed in Islamic theological universities.
- Alexander Strauch's books "Biblical Eldership" and "Biblical Deacons" and their study guides have been translated into Turkish. 5 of the Emmaus Correspondence School Courses are available in Turkish.
[edit] Kurdish
- Translation work continues on the Kurdish Scriptures.
- Another brother is seeking to improve his Kurdish so that he can minister on an itinerant basis in Kurdish speaking regions.
[edit] Church Planting & Itinerant Work
- Some are making regular visits to cities in the East where there is no Christian church meeting.
- One brother in the Aegean region is visiting small Turkish fellowships in outlying regions.
- A few new church plant efforts are forming teams or are underway. New workers for these teams would be welcome.
[edit] Web
A new major outreach web-site is being set up now. There are also a number of more regional web sites as well associated with workers with assembly ties.
[edit] Other
Other workers with assembly ties are involved in Christian counseling, working with street children, organizing a nationwide children's camp, writing Christian and evangelistic books, as well as business relating to food and agricultural exports.
[edit] Vision
[edit] Publishing
A “publish-on-demand” printer may be purchased to facilitate more effective and less expensive publishing work.
[edit] Camp
A new Christian campground is being prayed for, as there are only two small ones in the whole country.
[edit] Video
One worker wants to produce a video featuring testimonies of believers from groups who hated each other, but have been changed by the God of peace and the love of Christ. For example: Turk/Kurd/Armenian.
[edit] Music
Some workers wish to see music used to spread the good news more in local outreach (concerts & street performance) and to be distributed through secular channels.
[edit] Current Opportunities
There are wonderful opportunities to work alongside pioneers in Turkey. There about 50 workers or elders in Turkey today with ties to the assemblies movement in the United States, Canada, Germany, Austria, United Kingdom, Mexico, Bolivia, and Honduras. Turkey has 45 million people under age 25 and many are searching. We are praying for a new generation of workers to bring the gospel to this generation! (Act 13:36).
[edit] External Links
- loveTurkey.org - a web site for those considering involvement in Turkey including senders, elders, long and short term workers. Those who want to contact us can use the email links from this site.
