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American Pastor Charged with Terrorism in Turkey

3/22/18  Turkey  (ACLJ) On January 3, 2017, we wrote about American Pastor Andrew Brunson, who was arrested in December 2016 for “being a member of an armed terrorist organization”. His trial will begin on April 16, and he is facing what could amount to the rest of his life in a Turkish prison. A 62-page long indictment charges Pastor Brunson with “Christianization”, which it claims is terrorism, even though his 23-year ministry in Turkey involved “humanitarian aid, education, and training.” Please pray… Pray that the trial, which will start on April 16, will be carried out in a fair and impartial manner and that Pastor Brunson will be found innocent. Pray that Pastor Brunson’s family will experience the peace of Christ and be kept safe and healthy throughout the trial. Pray for Pastor Brunson’s Turkish lawyer, the US State Department, and US lawyers who are fighting these charges in Turkish court and who are in contact with the Turkish government. Pray that Pastor Brunson will not lose hope, but will experience the Lord’s powerful presence in prison and have opportunities to show the love of Jesus to his captors and fellow prisoners.

2018.03.22

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Syrian Refugee Children Are Having a Mental Health Crisis

7/11/17  Turkey  (Gospel Herald) Due to the Syrian refugee crisis, Turkey currently hosts the most refugees in the world. It is estimated that approximately 60% of those “born in refugee camps are physically or emotionally disabled.” The conditions in refugee camps, such as cramped quarters, lack of medical resources, and limited food, help explain this statistic. About 200,000 Syrian babies have been born in these refugee camps. Children bear massive invisible scars from the war, with most having witnessed a death in the family and more than half displaying symptoms of PTSD. This tragedy must be ended by stopping the toxic stress of constant bombardment of civilian areas and by reaching everyone with life-saving aid and psychological support. Please pray… Pray that those living in refugee camps would be able to find homes outside of these places that often are not able to provide enough care. Pray that help would be available to those who are suffering in these camps. Pray that the Lord will use His children among the refugees to share His love and hope with those who do not know Him.

2017.07.11

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Christians Imprisoned in Iran Suffer under Biased Justice System

3/31/2017  Turkey  (Morning Star News) Muslim convert Ebrahim Firoozi was found him guilty of “actions against national security, being present at an illegal gathering and collusion with foreign entities” and sentenced him to five years in jail. Three other Christians – Mohammadreza Omidi, Yasser Mossayebzadeh and Saheb Fadaie – have entered their sixth month in limbo waiting for the results of their appeal. On Sept. 10, 2016, after a trial that lasted 10 minutes, all were sentenced to receive 80 lashes for drinking wine during a Communion service.  The health of another convert imprisoned for her faith has taken a dramatic downturn over the past few weeks. Maryam Naghash Zargaran is in urgent need of medical care from cardiologists, which has been denied by Iranian authorities. Zargaran has a hole in her heart, and also has severe headaches accompanied by ear pain, tremors, chronic joint and spine pain and numbness in her hands and legs. Please pray… Pray that Ebrahim Firoozi and the three Christians in jail for celebrating communion will not lose heart in prison and that the Lord will strengthen and encourage them as they endure harsh conditions and torture. Pray that Maryam Zargaran will receive the medical treatment she needs and that the Lord will touch her body and heal […]

2017.03.31

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Turkish Court Rejects Appeal of Detained American Pastor

1/3/2017 Turkey (Christian Post)  Andrew Brunson, an American pastor from North Carolina who has lived in Turkey for over 20 years with his wife, was arrested on December 9th in Turkey. Brunson was accused of “membership in an armed terrorist organization” when he was arrested. He has appealed his case but this appeal was denied. The U.S. group American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ) is working on another appeal to a higher court. Let’s pray… Pray for Brunson’s release with ACLJ’s help in appealing his case. Pray for Brunson’s wife and others who have been affected by his imprisonment. Pray for Brunson’s safety and health as he is in prison.

2017.01.03

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