The population of Turkey in 2020 was 82 million people. While it was once the location of the seven churches of the New Testament, it now only has 7,000 protestant believers and 99.9% of the population of Turkey is bound to the Muslim faith.
Pastor Emre and his wife began serving with the Izmit church in 2009. In addition to preaching and leading weekly services, they shared the gospel and organized local outreaches. The church has grown with the addition of new believers who came to Christ from Islamic backgrounds. Izmit was once the Roman capitol city, Nicodemia. The city has a population of 1.7 million and there is finally a church now located near the ancient Diocletian’s palace.
The Karaali’s have had many challenges including an assassination attempt in 2013. Twelve people were arrested. Although court cases were started in 2014, all of those arrested are now free. You can read more here.
Pastor Emre has been sharing the gospel in another city called Adapazarı since 2011. Unfortunately there is currently no church in Adapazarı, but Pastor Emre does discipleship in a small home group. (www.sakaryalihristiyanlar.com)
After serving at Izmit Church with his wife for 7 years, Pastor Emre handed off the leadership to a local believer whom he appointed to be an elder and then moved to Istanbul to start a new church. (www.izmitkilisesi.com)
In September of 2019, a new church was planted in Tuzla, a neighborhood on the Eastern border of Istanbul. Istanbul is a very large city, and there are many protestant churches serving there. But there was not church in Tuzla. The church seeks to spread the aroma of Christ as the first and only church in the area. With the help of the church’s ministry team, Pastor Emre is doing his best to spread the gospel and raise up disciples in Tuzla.
Internet Radio Project – Radyo Maranata
Join us to develop a radio ministry to reach a whole nation with a culturally savvy and clear presentation of the Good News of Salvation!
Turkey is a country with a population of about 75 million people. Religious education according to Islamic principles begins in elementary school at grade 3. In Turkey, the number of Protestant Christians in our country is minuscule %0.008. In most cities, there are no evangelical Churches. In many cities, there is only one local church. Against all this data, we have this promise of Jesus Christ; “The harvest is abundant, but the workers are few” (Matt. 9:37) With this heart attitude we have decided to start with what the Lord has given to us. We know that “He who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be the glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever!”(Eph. 3:20-21)
Turkish-speaking people all over the world can experience the good news through radio, and be referred to churches in their region. This reaches across all levels of society. A wide range of programs can be used to achieve this goal: bible readings, hymns, sermons in addition to activities such as advertisements, and live call in shows can be used through a live radio broadcast. If possible and, if necessary, you can even buy an fm frequency.
We have been absolutely thrilled to see statistics telling us that people in 27 different countries have listened to the radio station over the past 2 years.
In accordance with this goal, we wanted to make you aware of our need for your prayers and support.
Website www.radyomaranata.com
To receive more detailed information about this project, please write to us at ekaraali@gmail.com