I normally send a prayer letter once every two months; but a lot is happening, and we need your prayers! I never want these updates to be written out of tradition or obligation motivated by the fear of men; I want these letters to serve as a clear window into what God is doing in the Middle East whenever He leads me to report. As the Spirit within me bears witness to the Father, I pray that my own spirit may testify to His work and invite you to unite with us in prayer.
Please pray for our team leader and his family as they return to the States for six months to raise needed support for the expanding ministries. Pray especially for my family, as the work here continues to be a thorn in Satan’s side. Pray for our church family as we shepherd them into a deeper experience of God’s presence. Pray that the Bible version entrusted to us may have liberty in this land to reach every home. Pray during this season of government scrutiny, which threatens to silence and even ban God’s people. Pray for the growth of sister churches that must meet in secret. Pray also for my friend T___—that he may be relocated, perhaps to Canada, and that God would provide him a Godly wife.
I felt led to have my friend finish this prayer letter in his own words, as he is fruit to your account:
Dear Brothers and Sisters,
Hello, my name is T___, someone who has been persecuted in Iranian court due to his belief in Jesus Christ. After being persecuted, I fled to Turkey. In Turkey, I had a very difficult life because I lost everything back in Iran, and when I arrived in Turkey, I had nothing left from worldly materials. In spite of every negative thing that happened to me, I had one thing that kept me standing upright, and that was Jesus Himself. Yes, I lost everything, but I never regret it because I made a very close friendship with Jesus Christ. He always has my back.
One case that He supported me is that He brought me and Brother M___ together. M___ is a great glove for Jesus’ hand, not to only support me financially, but as a close brother to me, he helps me emotionally too. And I know this is because you support M___ in Turkey. He is exactly who Jesus said in Matthew 25:35, because M___ gave me food and a drink when I was hungry and thirsty.
I am a stranger and alone in this country. I had health problems. I am a prisoner in this city because the government does not allow me to travel to anywhere in Turkey, and in spite of this, M___ comes and visits me in the city of my residence. I call him when, due to the 10 years of loneliness, my psychology tortures me, and he answers. For hours, I talk and he listens to me. This is not only me who says, “M___ and those who support him are a great glove for Jesus.” But Jesus Himself also says that.
“Then shall the King say unto them on his right hand, Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me. Then shall the righteous answer him, saying, Lord, when saw we thee an hungred, and fed thee? or thirsty, and gave thee drink? When saw we thee a stranger, and took thee in? or naked, and clothed thee? Or when saw we thee sick, or in prison, and came unto thee? And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.”
—Matthew 25:34-40
Now, I want to say “Thank you for supporting me and M___.” And I know Jesus also says Thank you for supporting us here.
Missionary #6506
