TURKEY / Dynamics in Turkey

The dynamics of events in Turkey these last few months have been one of the greatest struggles for Turks. Starting with an inconclusive election last June, followed by a declining Turkish economy, things seemed really bad. Finally, last Sunday the new election results changed everything once again. AKP (Islamic Party that ruled the country for 13 years) was elected again and will continue to be the ruling party. All of these events have created a sense of division in our country.  We really don’t know what effect this election will have for the church.  We hope that the government will pursue mild political steps and not separate people anymore.

Among all these troubles, the Kurdish separatist group and ISIS have been active and many attacks have occurred here. Unfortunately, there have been few steps taken between the Turkish government and the Kurdish separatist group for peace. The results of the election have not helped to bring peace between these two groups. Obviously, ISIS used this opportunity to bring about many attacks in Middle East. This caused many people to flee from Syria and to enter into Turkey. Millions are entering Turkey in order to save their lives.  In this environment their life is not settled in Turkey. Many people are hungry and live on the streets.

It is difficult to share the entire Middle East problems in two paragraphs. But one thing is clear, we need a lot of prayers. Pray especially for the Syrian refugees.  There about 10,000 of them living on the streets in Antalya. They are not allowed to work and they have no shelters to go to.  Our church has been trying to help the poor in this city.   Our mercy ministry efforts have now expanded to include the homeless Syrians. If you are interested in assisting these efforts please let us know.  As we evaluate the situation here and determine what our efforts will be, we will continue to provide updates on what we are doing and how you can help.