“If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you”

Over the past few weeks over 30 people have been kicked out of Turkey. There is no clear reason why. At the same time Jesus tells his followers, “'Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master.’ If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you…(John 15:20a). Over the past 5 years nearly 150 people have been kicked out, affecting over 350 people including spouses and children.

Would you pray with me that the work in Turkey would continue with faith and power. May those who have been called, by God, to serve would continue to serve with passion, courage and conviction. It is God who calls, provides for and sustains His servants. May there be an urgency to proclaim Christ while they can and not give in to fear. The goal is to make disciples, not simply remain in country.

Please pray for me that I would be allowed into Turkey in March. During that trip I will connect with a church in Istanbul and attend a gathering with the leaders of the Foundation.

Thank you for your prayers about churches responding to my invitation to partner with Barnaba Ministry. A few churches responded that they would not be partnering at this time. A few others are in the process of working out what that would look like for them specifically. Please continue to pray.

• I will be preaching at Queen Creek Bible Church on January 26. Pray that I would communicate clearly and that God would lead people according to His will.

• In March I will teach about witnessing to Muslims to a Sunday school class at a church in Tucson. Pray for the saints to be equipped in love and faithfulness.

• Support raising continues, may God lead people and churches to partner financially.

Thank you for your prayers,

Mark

P.S. Check out my blog about Kathryn and my trip to South Carolina to visit our Iranian friends.