On October 7, 2016, American pastor Andrew Brunson is detained by Turkish police because authorities believe he poses a threat to national security. He is unfairly accused of being in cahoots with the Fethullah Gülen movement, which authorities suspect was behind the attempted coup in Turkey in July 2016. No evidence has yet been presented against him. Andrew remains in prison and is only waiting for his trial to begin. 
The church's lease is terminated
Andrew Brunson, together with his wife Norine, has been a missionary in Turkey for 23 years. They are leaders of the Church of the Resurrection (Diriliş Kilisesi), which is housed in rented premises in Izmir. The circumstances surrounding Andrew's situation have made the building's owner nervous and he has decided to terminate the church's lease at the end of April. The property has now been put up for sale. The building's location is ideal for spreading the good news.
Norine explains - It's a battle because the church is on a street with a lot of people walking from the metro and bus to a large pedestrian street. People are often fascinated by the church as they pass by. Some take a New Testament and other literature from the two window sills, others stop to look in, ask questions and receive prayer. It's one of the best locations in the city.
The church refuses to give up
Resurrection Church members are not ready to give up either the building or the community they have become a part of. The church has started a fundraising campaign to hopefully buy the building. Although the future for Andrew and Norine, in Turkey, is uncertain, one thing is certain - and that is the willingness of the church members to continue to run the church and be a blessing to their community.
You can help Resurrection Church continue to be a voice of God's love and salvation by praying for the church members and their situation. Remember to continue to pray for Andrew as he is under intense spiritual pressure. If convicted, Andrew could face many years in prison based on very serious false accusations.
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!
