Turkey is once again hit by earthquakes. Convert Christians have organized relief work in the past, but this time the aid is even more organized and extensive than before. This can be seen as a sign that the convert church is maturing and growing.
In recent years, there has been a remarkable trend of young Turks in particular turning their backs on Islam and seeking alternatives.
According to a survey by the Turkish polling institute Konda, the percentage of young Turkish women who do not wear a religious headscarf increased from 49 % in 2009 to 58 % in 2019. A 2023 study on religiosity in Turkey, led by Zübeyir Nisanci from Marmara University, found that 11 % of young people aged 18-24 either do not believe in God or know if he exists. 18% of Turks with a master's degree either do not believe in God or know if he exists.
In recent years, a number of governments have reversed the secularization introduced by the founder of modern Turkey, Mustafa Kemal Atatürk. Atatürk removed Muslim symbols from public spaces, the Arabic alphabet was replaced with the Latin alphabet and the weekly day off became Sunday instead of Friday, when Muslims traditionally pray. Several Muslim groups were banned.
The current political leadership has tried to re-Islamize Turkey. An economic boom was followed by an economic downturn from 2016, and when the population also sees corruption and nepotism, the stage is set for a backlash.
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According to a very conservative estimate, the number of Christian converts is now 7,000. The churches the Danish European Mission cooperates with are clearly experiencing spiritual searching, not least among young people. I myself have attended meetings in a church where young people spontaneously came in and asked questions about the Christian faith. Every month, this church distributes an average of 900 copies of the New Testament to seekers who visit the church.
New Christians may face resistance, especially in their families, but there is a spiritual hunger, and quietly the Holy Spirit is working powerfully in Turkey to bring people to faith in Jesus.
Please pray for Turkey, the earthquake victims and the country's leadership.
