Numbers 6:24-26 “The LORD bless you and keep you… and give you peace.”

I pray that the new year will bring you peace, health, joy, and renewed strength in the Lord.

 

Psalm 46:1 “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.”

Because of your prayers and support, we have come through a difficult but very fruitful year. In every challenge, we were confident the Lord was with us through your intercession. This past year, around 150 believers were baptized, and our hearts are filled with thanksgiving and joy.

 

Isaiah 55:1 “Come, all you who are thirsty, come to the waters…”

Through the announcements we shared at Christmas, hundreds of people—yes, hundreds of visitors—came. After the sermon, every one of them received a Bible, and some openly declared that they believed. I know this did not happen because I preached well; it happened because people are truly thirsty for spiritual love and truth, and because the Lord answered through your prayers. We give all the glory to God for this precious fruit.

 

Matthew 9:37-38 “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few… ask the Lord… to send out workers.”

Our churches and believers are growing through your prayers, yet we feel more deeply than ever how great the need is. Many cities in Türkiye need workers, but in the Black Sea region—17 cities and millions of people—there are very few laborers. Soon, one American family will have to leave because they could not obtain a residence permit. We have only three families serving, and that number is not enough for 17 cities.

 

Romans 10:15 “How can they preach unless they are sent?”

By God’s grace, we sent a young Turkish family to the city of Sinop after the foreign family there was deported from Türkiye. We urgently need new workers. I am discipling a young brother named Anıl so that, in the future, he may become a church worker and pastor. At the same time, we are also watching and encouraging several young men (Ediz, Emir, Selçuk, Yalın) with small financial support—praying, evaluating their commitment, their gifting for ministry, and whether they have a clear calling from the Lord, so that in the right time we can appoint and send them.

 

2 Timothy 2:2 “Entrust… to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others.”

For this purpose we continue with theology and Bible training. These classes are not only for future workers, but are open to anyone who wants to grow—because we believe every believer should also be a witness. We have begun to see fruit: in 2025 we completed a six-month training with many brothers and sisters. We will share photos of those who finished the courses and graduated.

 

John 15:20 “If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also.”

All believers are precious, but we have seen that when Turkish believers lead and serve in front, churches often grow faster—because they do not face deportation risk, they understand the culture better, and they know how to help new believers who face pressure from family, school, and friends (because they have walked that road themselves). Please pray for these future workers: that their families will understand they are not doing something wrong, but are serving God; that they will be respected; and that the Lord will provide their financial needs. When I first believed, my own family did not speak to me for four years and treated me as if I were cursed. I pray these young people will not have to carry that same pain—please pray with us.

 

Joel 2:28 “Your young men will see visions… your old men will dream dreams.”

About 80% of our church is made up of university students, and we thank God for this. These young people will one day form believing families and become strong witnesses. At the same time, we are also seeing something new among older people—many are coming with curiosity, asking for prayer, and wanting to hear the gospel.

 

Psalm 34:19 “The righteous person may have many troubles, but the LORD delivers him from them all.”

Please pray especially for our worker in Amasya, our Iranian brother Abbas. Although he is a refugee, he also serves Turkish people with a humble and honorable heart. His refugee status had been approved, and during that time the ministry strengthened—many Turkish young people believed, and we were even sending young believers from Samsun to help start youth meetings and gain experience. But one week ago, the Immigration Office called him in. Instead of focusing on his refugee file, they questioned him about his church ministry, and in the end they cancelled his refugee status—despite the fact that he had the legal right to it. There is a risk they may send him to a refugee camp and then deport him to Iran. We want to begin a legal process and find a lawyer. Please pray that God will protect this faithful worker, open doors, and provide what is needed.

 

2 Corinthians 12:9 “My grace is sufficient for you… my power is made perfect in weakness.”

In December I traveled to visit many cities and churches. Sometimes my health becomes difficult. With Crohn’s disease, I never know when an attack will come. Doctors tell me to avoid stress, but when the people we serve face pressure and hardship, it is not easy to remain unaffected. I know everything is in the Lord’s hands, yet as a human being I feel this burden. Please pray that God will strengthen me, protect my health, and help us raise many more workers.

 

2 Corinthians 9:8 “God is able to bless you abundantly…”

Your prayers and support are deeply precious to us. Every gift you send is used for proclaiming the gospel, training evangelists, and making God’s name known in difficult places. We know many parts of the ministry would be much harder without your partnership. We pray that the Lord will bless you richly and provide abundance for your family.

 

Acts 8:36 “Look, here is water. What can stand in the way of my being baptized?”

Many brothers and sisters want to be baptized. We usually plan a larger baptism service in the summer, but because they understand baptism as a precious sacrament taught by the Lord, those who have completed their preparation are asking to be baptized even in the cold of winter. It is a “sweet problem,” and we are thankful for it. Please pray especially for the brothers and sisters who will be baptized in March—that the Lord will establish them and use their testimony to touch many hearts.

 

Hebrews 13:2 “Do not forget to show hospitality…”

We continue our refugee ministry not only in church buildings, but also in homes. Sometimes around a table, sometimes in a small living room, we pray together, listen to people’s pain, and share Scripture. But it is not always easy: neighbors often complain, and the police come. Especially in Tokat, the neighbors around the building we use as a church repeatedly report us. It feels as if their only goal is to stop what God has started. Still, we know our God is mighty. Please pray that fear will not take hold of our hearts, that doors will remain open, and that the Lord will protect and strengthen the refugees we serve.

 

Matthew 25:36 “I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

Our prison ministry is also going very well by the grace of God. One brother who had been in prison in Samsun was transferred to another city, where he continues his sentence in an open prison. When he was granted leave, he ran to the church because he wanted to join a real worship service. We could see the hunger and happiness in his eyes. Once again, we witnessed how the Lord keeps hope alive in hearts that many people forget. Thank you—truly—for giving us the opportunity to do this ministry through your prayers and financial support. We are grateful from the bottom of our hearts.

 

Ephesians 3:20-21 “To him who is able to do immeasurably more… be glory.”

May the Lord bless you and your family abundantly, renew your faith, and fill your home with peace. Thank you again for standing with us. We love you, and we continue to pray for you as well.

 

With love and prayers, Orhan