Authorities Close Down Church

Office building in central Gaziantep
where New Life Church was located
Photo: World Watch Monitor

On August 28th, local police officials sealed the premises of the New Life Church. Then just over two weeks later, on September 14th, they detained the church's American pastor, Patrick Jensen, with orders from the Interior Ministry to deport him immediately. Patrick was held for 30 hours before being permitted to return to his home in Turkey (as his case is still pending). In addition, the believer's Turkish residence permit -- valid through to November of 2015 -- was cancelled, with a temporary 30-day permit issued until the court rules on his appeal.

Patrick was also ordered to pay 3,043 Turkish lira (approximately $1,500 CAD) for violating the country's labour laws, which require a work permit for legal employment status. However, he declined to pay the fine, arguing that he is a volunteer serving in the church. He also noted that an inspection board under the Labour Ministry had mistakenly classified the church as a place of business.

Patrick started the small congregation nine years ago when he and his family moved to Gaziantep. Between 30 and 40 adults attend the services each Sunday. Now, without any other options for a place of worship, the church group has met informally in a park and in private homes. The fledgling congregation has not yet applied for official status as an association, which is the only legal option open to register new Christian congregations.

Let us bring this difficult situation to our Lord in prayer, trusting that His will be done on earth as it is in heaven (Matthew 6:10). Specifically, please ask that He grant peace to Patrick and this congregation as they await the court's decision. May the authorities overturn the fine and deportation order, and instead allow Patrick to remain in the country and lead the church. In addition, pray that this congregation will continue to meet together for worship despite this latest obstacle, and that God will provide another suitable location for their services.

To learn more about the persecuted church in Turkey, check out our Country Report.

  • Current Ministry Project

    VOMC helps to equip Christians by providing biblical and discipleship resources.

    Project Funds: Equipping the Saints

  • Country Information

    Population
    83,593,483 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Turkish (70-75), Kurdish (19), other minorities (7-12)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (99.8), other (0.2)

    Leader
    President Recep Tayyip Erdogan (2014)

    Government type
    Parliamentary republic

    Legal system
    Civil law system derived from various European continental legal systems

    Sources: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Turkey

    Prayerfully uphold those who have had their churches and places of worship taken over by a government that does not represent their beliefs, values or ordinances. Ask the Lord to oversee the mediation process as church officials and government representatives endeavour to work out a solution that is both honouring to Him and fair to all the members of the various churches. Despite the challenges experienced by the believers of this country, may they have a sense of God's reassuring presence and peace, knowing that one day He will reign supremely and justly over the entire earth.

Select a Region

Türkiye News

  • Authorities Prevent Church from Obtaining Land
    A view from Diclekent Boulevard, Diyarbakir.
    Diyarbakir, Türkiye
    Photo: Wikimedia / chansey (cc)

    The Diyarbakir Protestant Church Foundation began with members gathering in a home more than 20 years ago. In 2019, the congregants moved into a dedicated church building and became a legally recognized organization. Over the years, the ministry has grown to encompass more than 100 people – a number far too large for the limited space of the premises where they are currently meeting. As a result, these believers have been seeking suitable land so they can build a larger facility that will better accommodate their growing needs. Unfortunately, their efforts to obtain a potential property have been continually ignored or turned down by governing officials.

    Read more...

  • Gunmen Attack Worship Service
    The grounds of the church where the shooting took place.
    Santa Maria Catholic Church

    On the morning of January 28th, two gunmen entered the Santa Maria Catholic Church in Istanbul, Türkiye. Wearing masks, the men walked into the church, shot into the air, and then killed one person. Security footage shows the gun apparently jamming just before the men left.

    Read more...

  • Asylum Seekers Face Deportation
    Ninous Italiaee with his wife and child.
    Pastor Ninous Italiaee’s family before his detainment.
    Photo: Article18

    In the wake of the recent devastating earthquake, the focus of the world lately has been on Türkiye and northern Syria where, at the time of composing this Persecution & Prayer Alert report, more than 20,000 people have died as a result of the catastrophe. In addition, tens of thousands of survivors have been left homeless amid the cold of winter. Reports from Christians in an affected area reveal the extensive suffering taking place due to the loss of loved ones and the tremendous need for surviving victims to receive blankets, food and other important necessities required to sustain life.

    Read more...

  • Foreign Christian Workers Expelled
    Joy Subasiguller - Photo: Facebook / Joy Subasiguller
    Joy Subaşıgüller and her family
    Photo: Facebook / Joy Subaşıgüller

    Last year, at least thirty-five foreign Christian workers were expelled from Turkey, as their permits had been either revoked or denied renewal. So far this year, the number of those forced to leave the country has already reached sixteen. The latest of those workers are Joy Subaşıgüller and Pastor Zach Balon, both from the United States.

    Read more...

View All

Türkiye Videos

 
Turkey: Andrew Brunson's Testimony
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm
 
Turkey: God’s Hostage, the imprisonment of Andrew Brunson
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm
 
Turkey: Malatya Martyrs
/component/allvideoshare/category/turkey.htm