Pray for our Friends

Please intercede for Hakan and Turan, two Turkish Christians who face their second trial on Monday, January 29. There have been no new developments in regards to the actual trial—no new evidence (which means no evidence at all), no new charges, and no acquittal. However, Kemal Kerincsiz, the infamous ultranational lawyer who was at the last trial, is getting much bad press in light of the murder of the Turkish/Armenian journalist, Hrant Dink, in Istanbul last week. Kerincsiz had brought Article 301 charges (insulting Turkishness) against Dink in the past few years and many blame him for fanning the flames of hatred toward Armenians and other minorities that resulted in this murder. Unfortunately, Hakan and Turan have a connection with Dink in that they too are minorities being harassed with Article 301 charges by Kerincsiz. This could also make them a target of ultranational violence. This is not meant to be alarmist, but to call everyone to fervent prayer for all aspects of this trial.

A few prayer points:
Pray that God would use this trial for His good.

Pray that Hakan and Turan would stand strong in the face of lies, intimidation, persecution, and insult.

Pray that Hakan’s wife, Esay, would have peace and endurance throughout the trial.

Pray that justice would prevail and they would be acquitted on Monday.

Pray that there would be no escalation of violence or protests after the trial.

Pray that God would use this trial for His good.

We all hope that God would work in ways we cannot imagine and that He would accomplish great things for His glory as a result of this trial.

Thank you for your prayers.

*I borrowed this from a friend.