Turkish News & Evangelism

In Turkey's 3 major cities (Istanbul, Ankara, and Izmir) 54,500 New Testaments were distributed by Alo Dua over Christmas. Today, a four page full-color article came out about the Alo Dua Prayer Center in a popular magazine. Our pictures, and pictures of Turks who have come to the Lord through Alo Dua are there. This morning, the magazine was featured on T.V. with a cover picture of Ian praying for people.

With the NTs going out on the streets in Turkey and your prayer support - there is a big stir going on here in Turkey. This was started when the former President's wife and the former President made their comments.

Aksam Newspaper: Bulent Ecevit, the former President commented, ".And now they are even giving out free New Testaments to the public in the center of Ankara (Turkey's capital)."

Milliyet Newspaper: Missionary activity is increasing! Rahsan Ecevit said "Missionaries are moving forward quickly these days. but what disturbs me is that many Muslim countrymen are on the path of leaving their beliefs, or becoming Christians. We are losing our religion. We will soon be wearing crosses from our skullcaps." <>

Other newspapers have followed suit, and are entering the debate. At least 10 newspapers have carried stories about Alo Dua and the NT distribution. We have been on TV and radio as well. There are many articles on the internet. The exciting thing is that many interested people are phoning and emailing. We are receiving multiplied curses and threats and Islamic prayers everyday over the phone and internet . The Prayer Hotline phones are ringing.

We do not want to be presumptuous about the need for prayer at this point, and do not want to overload you with the request for prayer.

However, Alo Dua and the New Testament Distribution has been in the media, and the debate has broadened to the topic of foreign workers and proselytizing, and so we are asking for increased prayer vigils at this point. We know that many of you have stood with us over the years, and we want to see a mighty wave of Turks repenting - just as the former President's wife fears.

Merhaba Newspaper says: Explosive reaction about missionary activity! They are distributing thousands of New Testaments in the center of town.

Haber Turk: A representative of the Religious Affairs Department said, "We are under serious internal and external threat. Missionaries have a budget of $200 million and are giving 3 million NTs out a year. Whereas the Religious Affairs Department has a grave personnel shortage in that 23,542 of our mosques have no religious teachers."

Hurriyet Newspaper: But according to the Constitution, everyone has freedom of thought, conscience, and religion. Everyone also has the freedom to meet together to worship. "Freedom to change religion." is also included.

Sabah Newspaper: NT Distribution and Kicking Protest! A parliamentarian arrived with TV cameras to the Alo Dua stand in Ankara. They overturned the stand and began to shout slogans.

Vakit Newspaper: Christianity to us - our nation to them. Missionaries came to our nation and taught us to pray. We closed our eyes and learned how to pray. When we opened our eyes - Christianity became ours and our nation went to the missionaries.

Ankara News: The missionaries have distributed 600,000 NTs since the 24th and will reach the 1 million mark by the 31st. The Saglik Is Sendikasi is distributing Korans on the street in protest to the Alo Dua New Testament distribution.

Zaman Newspaper: If we knew our religion, missionaries would be no threat to us.

Yenicag Newspaper: Beautiful girls are giving out NTs in Istanbul. They approach our young men with a smile and hand them a New Testament.

We hope this has drawn a picture for you of how necessary it is for you to be involved in praying, because our Lord Jesus wants the glory for His Name. He wants the lost to come in. And for Turkey to not be "the largest unreached nation in the world" (Operation World). Please pray for extreme wisdom, protection for Alo Dua in Istanbul, Ankara, and
Izmir.