World

Widow Forgives Killers in Turkey

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.

by Daniel Blake

Posted: Wednesday, April 25, 2007, 6:50 (BST)

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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.

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]

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Added: Monday, May 14, 2007, 11:21 (BST)

This clearly shows that the people of Turkey are not ready to join the European Union, where there is freedom of religion. Being a Christian in a Muslim society is really difficult. Maybe we should put more restrictions on Muslims living the West...to make them feel how our brothers and sisters feel in their home countries!

Sincere condolences to the families

Revelation 21:4 And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes; there shall be no more death, nor sorrow, nor crying. There shall be no more pain, for the former things have passed away."

alain, Brussels,Belgium

Added: Tuesday, May 8, 2007, 20:42 (BST)

I think this is the true central focus of the story that Jesus would want us to focus on... It is so difficult, and my first reaction was outrage, heartsick, pain.. when I read of the sufferings and unbelievable cruelty of the assilants... but at the end, I asked myself 'Who really is Lord. Who really is in control.' Yes, human beings may do wicked things, and though these are not caused by the Lord, they are allowed for a season in this world to accomplish His greater purpose.. and keep remembering that the three saints are with Jesus and will rise again. As the Bible tells us: we are a perishable body now, but we will be raised a spiritual and glorious body Amen. Our three brothers did not suffer for nothing. They will be reunited with us and in the meantime, I believe there will be some who will be moved to consider Christ's love and unbelievable forgiveness in the wake of this cruelty.

Ming Ju, Singapore