June 2024

Turkey

The greatest gospel gap in the world is in 50 countries—these countries have barely any new, thriving churches. And nearly 75% of all the world’s unreached people (3.6 billion) live in 12 of those 50 countries. The people in these 12 countries have the least access to the gospel in their own language.

We can engage in strategic, focused prayer for the 12 countries of the world that are least reached with the gospel without ever leaving home.

Every month in 2024 we’ll feature one of these countries, familiarize you with its culture, and share prayer requests addressing the country’s specific needs. We believe the light of Jesus can shine through!

All About Turkey

This month we are focusing on Turkey—the land where followers of Jesus were first called Christians (see Acts 11:26). Today, Turkey is known for its natural wonders, for its sandy beaches and beautiful mountain ranges. Its capital city, Istanbul, is known for its unique bazaars, which attract hundreds of thousands of shoppers daily.

The seven churches that John addressed in the book of Revelation are located in Turkey. Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamum, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia and Laodicea still exist in some form in modern-day Turkey.

The Hagia Sophia is a beautiful building whose beautiful exterior and intricate interior tell us a lot about Turkey’s religious history. Since its construction almost 1,500 years ago, the Hagia Sophia has been an Eastern Orthodox Church, a Catholic church, a mosque and a museum!

The Turkish dessert called “Lokum,” or Turkish Delight, lives up to its name, delighting both Turks and tourists! Its texture is similar to gummy candy (like a gummy bear). Turkish delight come in many different flavors, including cinnamon, mint, rosewater and pistachio.

Many unique products come from Turkey, including high-quality Turkish rugs. Turks have been weaving rugs for over 800 years! Each region uses unique colors or styles.

Coffee-lovers can thank the Turks for speeding up the process of brewing coffee! The first brewing methods used in the 13th century could take longer than five hours. Turkish coffee is tasty and often includes the addition of spices and sugar in the brewing process.

When Christians lead others to Christ, and those new Christians in turn lead others, and so forth, we call this spiritual multiplication. Small groups can help each new generation of believers learn and grow in their faith. Pray for Christians to start many groups like this in Turkey this year.

Pray for Christians in Turkey to be joyfully expectant—looking forward in faith for how God will accomplish His will in them and in the nation of Turkey. Pray that believers in Turkey will be aware of God’s guidance through the Holy Spirit and reverently responsive to Him.

Serving as a land bridge between two continents, Turkey is home to several million refugees. Ask the Lord to give the Turkish church a tender heart for the refugees in their midst, and a commitment to reach them with the good news of Jesus.

Six-Month Prayer Guide

Use this guide to help focus your daily prayers for six months. Each request covers a day of the week and centers on pivotal ministry needs.

Prayer Guide

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