Andrew and Norine Brunson are Americans, but have been missionaries in Turkey for 23 years, where they lead Diriliş (Resurrection), a small church in Izmir.
Image: Diriliş Kilisesi (Church of the Resurrection, ed) in Izmir.
On October 7, 2016, the couple is asked to report to the local police station. They are told that their visa renewal application has been refused and that they will be sent out of the country. The reason? They are accused of being a threat to national security and having links to terrorists. What's more, they cannot be told anything, but are detained until they are to be sent out of the country.
However, the final deportation order never arrives, and instead they wait in limbo. Norine is released after 14 days, while Andrew continues to be detained without access to a lawyer and with only very limited contact with the US embassy.
Following the coup attempt in July 2016, a state of emergency was declared in the country, suspending the normal rules of law. The authorities have subsequently suspended more than 100,000 civil servants and arrested another 37,000 who the government claims have links to Fetullah Gülen, a Muslim preacher suspected of being behind the coup attempt.
Finally, after more than 60 days, Andrew appears before a judge and sees his lawyer for the first time. He is accused of having links to terrorists, specifically the "Gülen movement". According to the judge, the case is based on an anonymous witness, but Andrew's lawyer cannot see the file with the so-called evidence against him.
"Andrew preached the love and reconciliation of Christ"
The contact person at the Danish European Mission, who has been close to Andrew, explains: "The idea that Andrew would collaborate with terrorists to destroy Turkey is completely absurd. He is a Christian pastor who has worked for the good of Turkey for 23 years and has always maintained that we should bless and pray for the government. He stays far away from political issues and instead preaches the love of Christ and reconciliation between peoples. He is now in prison for that."
Image: Andrew sits in a crowded cell with around 20 radical yet peaceful Muslims who are trying hard to get him to convert.
Fellow inmates try to get Andrew to convert
Andrew is sitting in a crowded cell with around 20 radical yet peaceful Muslims who are trying hard to get him to convert. According to his lawyer, it could easily be six months before his trial begins. He is under intense spiritual pressure, which, coupled with uncertain prospects, makes it difficult for him to keep his spirits up.
What can you do?
1. pray for Andrew and his family:
- About encouragement and strength
- That God will be close to them
- That he needs to get out of the country quickly
2. Write to Norine on Facebook and tell them you're praying for them
Go to www.facebook.com/AndrewAndNorine
3. Write to the Turkish authorities and ask them to release Andrew.
- Download the letter in Turkish here... (Read the Danish translation of the letter Here... )
- Print the letter and sign
- Send it:
- scanned to Danish European Mission at: info@forfulgtekristne.dk
- or by mail to Danish European Mission, Drejervej 15, 2400 Copenhagen NV.
- Danish European Mission then forwards the appeal to the Turkish Ministry of Interior.
Thank you for helping Norine and Andrew Brunson!