Day 27
Turkey
Islamic religious classes have been compulsory in Turkish schools since the 1980s, though people of other faiths can be exempt from attending. Turkey’s Constitutional Court recently ruled that these compulsory classes violate human rights and religious freedoms. Local courts have to abide by this decision, so pray that there will be a flow-on effect of this ruling. Pray that fears around exploring other religious faiths will diminish as a result. Pray that Christians in Turkey will experience the power of God resting on them as they speak out about choosing to follow Jesus (The Bible, 2 Corinthians 12:9).
Source: Turkey’s Mandatory Religion Classes Violate Human Rights, Court Says (ICC)
Once the land of Paul’s missionary journeys, Turkey is now predominantly Muslim. In response to a failed coup in 2016, Turkey has continued to clamp down on anyone President Erdogan deems an enemy. Anyone seen to be anti-Erdogan can be arrested or removed from their positions, increasing the atmosphere of state control. Dozens of long-term Christian missionaries have been deported or refused entrance. Predominantly Syrian refugees have overwhelmed Turkey, numbering about four million – the most in the world. Due to the deteriorating situation, the UN pulled out, and the Turkish government stopped registering refugees and closed camps forcing refugees to find work in the cities or risk being deported. As a result, anti-refugee attitudes have increased in the wider community. The COVID-19 impact has been significant across the nation, both on the health care system and the economy. Interest in the Gospel has also increased significantly in recent years.
Day 27
North Korea
Open Doors says reliable contacts have reported that an underground church of several dozen people in North Korea was discovered and all its members were executed. On top of that, about 100 people of the church members’ families have been arrested and sent to political camps. Pray these people may be sustained; may they be strengthened in their bodies and minds. May they come to know Jesus Christ as real and present in their suffering. May the groans of the prisoners come before You; with Your strong and powerful arm preserve those condemned to die (The Bible, Psalm 79:11).
Source: Secret believers in North Korea discovered and killed (Open Doors)
One of the most repressive nations on earth for the past couple of decades, historic meetings between North Korea, South Korea, and USA leaders prompted hope for change, but none have been forthcoming. North Korea spends money on missiles of varying capabilities available to be sold to repressive nations and terrorist groups. Hundreds of thousands of prisoners are held in concentration camps. Experts estimate up to 70,000 of them are Christian Believers. The regime enforces a religion that worships its leaders. Christians face death if found meeting together, even saying the name “Jesus” or possessing a Bible. Believers remain underground but may number as many as 100,000. North Korea has entirely shut its borders to keep out the COVID-19 virus. Intelligence seems to indicate that drought has now resulted in a food shortage of crisis proportions.
