Fast Facts:

Population:

86.1 million

Number of people groups:

85

Unreached people groups:

57 (67.1%)

Largest religion:

Islam (96.3%)

Evangelical Christian:

0.04%

The woman who sat in the back of the church caught the ministry leader’s attention as he preached to the congregation. She was alone, but her head was covered, an indication that she was a strict Muslim. Her eyes were trained on him while he spoke, her stillness seemed to be an indication of how intently she listened to his words. She has come to complain about our presence here, the ministry leader thought.

His hunch was rooted in events from the previous week, when a city official not only came to their church to oppose their worship, but then also declared through every public means available to him—including television and newspapers—that he wanted the group of believers to leave town.

Christians in Turkey Face Rising Opposition

Turkey’s constitution provides a right to freedom of religion, and the country is home to an estimated 7,000 to 10,000 Protestants and evangelical Christians. But there is an increasing push toward religious nationalism, with a particular emphasis on Islam, according to Open Doors. Conversion from Islam to Christianity—while not illegal—still comes with risks. Converts typically face accusations of disloyalty to their country and are urged by family and friends to renounce their new faith.

A Woman on a Mission

Now, on this day, the ministry leader kept a close eye on the woman in the service, his brain already preparing the words he would say in response to whatever argument he assumed she would pose. When the service concluded, he stood ready as she made her way forward, her intent to speak with him obvious through the intensity of her gaze.

But this woman wasn’t like the angry official from earlier. In fact, she was the exact opposite.

“I have questions about the Bible.”

“I am Asya,” she said to the ministry leader (name changed for security). “And I have questions about the Bible.”

Once the ministry leader recovered from his surprise, he told her he would be honored to answer her questions. The conversation that followed was one to which he could relate. “This strict Muslim lady asked me questions about the Bible,” he said. “Many of them were the same questions I asked when I became a believer in Jesus, rejecting any Islamic beliefs. I understood how she was feeling.”

Within a few weeks, the ministry leader—who lived in another town—received word that Asya had become a believer and was preparing for baptism. When the day of her baptism arrived, she was immersed in water with her head still covered. Afterward, she stayed with the church leaders for several days to study Scripture and pray, with her heart specifically focused on a prayer that her family would honor her desire to uncover her hair.

A Faithful Prayer Is Answered

At first, Asya’s family refused to accept her conversion. Quite unexpectedly, however, one of her older relatives came to her defense. “Leave her alone!” the relative said. “Let her choose what she wants to do, and let God decide on her place in eternity.”

“This response was unusual in our culture as newly converted believers are put through severe persecution.”

With this statement from a much-respected family elder, Asya’s fervent prayer was answered. “This response was unusual for our culture as newly converted believers are put through severe persecution usually,” the ministry leader said. “This family came from a region where strict religious rules apply, and they criminalize women and beat them rather often. She could have been killed for this disobedience. Instead, our prayers have drawn this family into noticing God’s goodness in their daughter and are allowing their daughter to worship in the church near them.”

Your Generosity Encourages New Believers

New believers like Asya who choose to leave the traditional faith of their families to follow Jesus understand the risks of that decision. But with the encouragement and support of local missionaries—missionaries whose work is made possible largely because of your assistance—they are prepared to not only share their testimonies, but they are also equipped to withstand the repercussions.

Please consider a donation today to support local missionaries who evangelize and disciple believers in places traditionally opposed to Christianity. And pray the Lord will make bold those who choose to follow Him.