Christians in Turkey have dedicated the first Sunday after the horrific killing of three Christian workers to Bible reading, prayer and worship in the Protestant Church in Istanbul.

|PIC1|Members of the church read from the Bible about the promises for those who die for the Gospel and prayed for the families of Necati Aydin, Tilman Geske and Ugur Yuksel.

The situation has provided a unique opportunity to share the Gospel of forgiveness to the Turkish nation on national television as the widow of one said she forgave the killers.

Rev Johan Candelin of Finland, offered condolences to the Turkish church not only on behalf of the World Evangelical Alliance but of Christians all around the world and many members of the European Parliament and other parliaments.

Said Candelin: "What happened last week was spiritually 'a coronation ceremony' when three faithful servants of Jesus were given the crowns of eternal life. Be assured that the followers of Jesus around the world stand with you in prayer and love and that the suffering you feel is felt by the global body of Jesus Christ today".

Candelin challenged the global church to pray for Turkey, suggesting this attack will not be the last one. As long as media in Turkey continues to provide incorrect information about "missionary activities" there will be more attacks, said Candelin, explaining the commonly misconception among Turks that "missionary activity" has a political agenda and is supported by foreign nations who want to split the Turkish society.

Turkish Christians want the Turkish government to inform the nation that Protestant work is nothing bad and has only a spiritual not a political mission, said a WEA statement.

According to Candelin one way to show love for the five children that now have lost their fathers is to give a love gift for their future education. This love gift operation is called "Operation Esther" after the five year old daughter of one of the murdered Christians.

Gifts will be distributed via the Protestant Church in Turkey and anyone interested can contact Johan Candelin, Executive Director Religious Liberty Commission, E-mail: candelin@kilumbus.fi


[Source: WEA]