- Population 61,185,000
- Main Language Turkish
- Main Religion Islam
- Jesus followers 0.02%
- Workers Needed 1,224 (1 worker/50000)
Begin with WorshipAnd they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)And they sang a new song, saying: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased for God persons from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.” (Revelation 5:9-10)
Turkey has long been the crossroads of civilizations and was the first area where the Good News was welcomed by Greeks and Armenians. It was a leading Christian area for 1000 years. Muslim Turkic peoples from Central Asia migrated into Turkey in the 11th century, interposing Islam, intermarrying and eventually taking Constantinople in 1453 (now Istanbul).
Today Turkey is the only secular republic with a majority Muslim population. Turkish law is not based on Islamic law, but European republic legal systems. Turkey’s people are mostly educated, modern, and materialistic. They enjoy productive agriculture and a great climate. Minority peoples like Christian Armenians and Muslim Kurds are not always treated well. Many Turks also live in Germany and other countries.
The prophets of Judaism and Christianity are generally respected by Turks, who desire to be accepted by modern Europe. However, memories of wars with "Christians" result in the people of Turkey remaining strong Muslims despite continuous exposure to true followers of Jesus and to various translations of Scripture into Turkish.
Prayers for the families of the Turks:
Lord, touch the hearts of Turkish families to understand that Jesus is for them too, not just for their age-old enemies the Christians. Help true Jesus followers in Turkey to love the Turks as their brothers and sisters, blessing them in His Name.
Jesus, send out Your Scriptures in the Turkish language in ways that the Muslims will hear it as coming to them from You, the One True God. Open their hearts and minds with Your Spirit to understand Your Word and who Jesus really is.
Lord, bless Turkish families who know and follow Jesus whether they live in Turkey, in the Turkish diaspora in Europe or elsewhere. Protect them from persecution and give them courage. Protect believers in the minority groups like the Kurds and Armenians as well.
Proclaim God’s love for Turks praying they: may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. (1 Tim. 2:1-2)
Resources for Turk
Turks in Turkey - Joshua Project Profile (Scroll down for Gospel resources in Turkish)
Turk Populations around the World: Turk people group in all countries | Joshua Project
Note: Pray for the Jesus movement among 18 million Turkish Azerbaijani in Iran growing rapidly under intense persecution. The Iranian Church Persists - Christianity Today Azerbaijani Turks make up about 1/4 of the population in Iran. They speak both Persian and a dialect of Turkish that allows them to communicate easily in Turkey. They used to be a Frontier People, but not anymore! Could they become a gateway people sparking Gospel movements in the Turkish world?
Thank you for joining the Lord today to ignite multiplying Jesus families throughout Frontier Peoples!