In February 2023, two strong earthquakes destroyed the biblical city of Antioch, affecting over 9 million people in the region. But God prompted the leaders of one church to remain in the devastation to serve their fellow survivors.
While providing food, clothing, tents and other emergency accommodation, they continued to hold services each Sunday that grew to over 100 people.
At one point, God moved the leader’s wife to suggest to two Muslim women that they might consider copying the New Testament (NT). They both agreed and were provided with the supplies they needed. Then two people became three, four, five, and now close to 600 Muslims are copying down the teachings of the New Testament, word-for-word!
One young man who had just finished copying had questions and asked what he should do about the sacrifices his family were preparing. He explained he had become a Christian from what he had read, without talking to anyone.
One person wanted to understand the New Testament better, so having finished, is copying the entire text once more! Another said, “I am so glad I took a package for my grandchildren. We are really enjoying copying, as a family!” Having finished copying the whole NT, one couple has begun copying the entire Bible. They have come to faith.
One young woman after copying the whole NT was asked what she had understood from what she had copied. She answered, “You know, I used to only like people who liked me. I had no use for anyone who was not interested in me. Now I am trying to love them! I used to be jealous of everyone. But now I’m trying to not be jealous.”
How to Pray
- Please pray that God will open the hearts and minds of Turkish men and women copying out the Scriptures to Himself.
- Pray that the new believers will remain firm in their decision to follow Jesus.
- Pray that God would make the church a light that points many to Christ.
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