A court in northwestern Turkey has postponed the trial of two men accused in the brutal beating of a convert to Christianity, Yakup Cindilli. Yakup was severely beaten while distributing New Testaments in October 2003. After two months in a coma, Yakup is recovering very slowly, but continues to experience serious physical, mental and psychological difficulties.
According to Compass Direct, the Orhangazi Criminal Court heard on March 25 that Yakup has gone through extensive testing to determine whether he will recover from his injuries. Medical examiners have determined that the only way to know if a recovery is imminent is to retest him in fifteen months. Upon hearing this, the judge ordered additional tests in May 2005 and set the new court date for June 18, 2005.
At present, Yakup is unable to walk on his own. He can now recognize family and friends but has frequent memory lapses and is subject to uncontrollable emotional outbursts. During the February hearings, he frequently burst into loud giggles.
Pray for continued and complete healing for Yakup Cindilli. Pray that those responsible will be brought to justice. Pray for continued ministry by the Church in Turkey, where Christians make up a very small minority.
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