Nations for Jesus: The gospel in the birthplace of Paul

Welcome to the latest edition of the Nations for Jesus E-Newsletter! This edition includes:

1. The gospel in the birthplace of Paul
2. Opportunities for reaching Turkey
3. The challenge
4. Donate

The gospel in the birthplace of Paul

When I think about the nation of Turkey, my thoughts often turn to my friend Yuksel Kurada. Yuksel was born into a Muslim family, and like many who grow up in Islamic societies—without hope or grace—he suffered from severe depression for many years.

It was not until a friend gave Yuksel a New Testament and invited him to church that he found what he was truly longing for. In his heart he knew that the Bible he was reading was the truth, and it would set him free if he would simply trust Jesus Christ as his Savior (John 8:32).
Yuksel’s story may seem common to us, but it is extraordinary because of how few have an opportunity to hear the gospel in Turkey. One might imagine that the birthplace of the apostle Paul and the region where the biblical church of Ephesus was established would be a vibrant center of God’s light and love. Unfortunately, Turkey could not be further from its rich, historically Christian roots.

Today, approximately 99.8% of Turkey’s 76.8 million residents are Muslims, and Islam is an integral part of its national identity. It is estimated that there are fewer than 150,000 Christians nationwide, among them about 10,000 evangelicals. What a tragedy for a land that was once an important center of the gospel!

Opportunities for reaching Turkey

Thankfully, God has been answering our prayers for the people of Turkey, opening doors for the gospel in a way that hasn’t been seen for more than five centuries. Specifically, the Lord has provided two powerful ways for Nations for Jesus to reach out to Turkey.

The first is through church planters like Yuksel, who has established the growing New Covenant Church in Ephesus and a training center for believers who wish to serve the Lord.

The second way is through two Christian radio station—Radio Light in Istanbul. This station has the potential of reaching 17 million people with the good news of salvation.

The challenge

We realize that Turkey will be a difficult mission field, but not an impossible one because “all things are possible with God” (Mark 10:27). The Lord has opened the doors of ministry and Turkish Muslims are hungrier for the true gospel—the gospel of Jesus Christ—now more than ever. But we must embrace the opportunities God gives us, be faithful to His calling, and rely on Him every step of the way.

As I said at the beginning of this E-newsletter, when I think about the nation of Turkey, my thoughts often turn to my friend Yuksel Kurada. How many Muslims are living as he used to—severely depressed, lacking hope, and without God’s wonderful grace? How many are longing to know the truth that can set them free? It took a believer—a faithful Christian friend—to give Yuksel a New Testament, invite him to church, and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Together, you and I can be that friend to the people of Turkey. And we can again witness the seeds of the gospel take root in the land where the Apostle Paul first watched it bloom so long ago.

Quick links

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Website: www.nationsforjesus.org