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August 2025

Turkey

The greatest gospel gap in the world is in 50 countries—these countries have barely any new, thriving churches. And nearly 75% of all the world’s unreached people (3.6 billion) live in 12 of those 50 countries. The people in these 12 countries have the least access to the gospel in their own language.

We can engage in strategic, focused prayer for the 12 countries of the world that are least reached with the gospel without ever leaving home.

Every month in 2025 we’ll feature one of these countries, familiarize you with its culture and share prayer requests addressing the country’s specific needs. We believe the light of Jesus can shine through!

All About Turkey

This month we are focusing on Turkey–the land where followers of Jesus were first called Christians (see Acts 11:26). Turkey is known for its natural wonders, from sandy beaches to beautiful mountain ranges. It also has many unique shops, called bazaars, where hundreds of thousands of people shop every day.

Turkey is a vibrant country that seamlessly blends ancient history with modernity. From the bustling streets of Istanbul to the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia, Turkey offers a rich tapestry of experiences for people to explore.

Turkey’s Mount Ararat, a dormant volcano, is the country’s highest peak at 16,860 feet (5,137 meters). Local legends tie it to the biblical story of Noah’s Ark, which some believe landed there. Its majestic presence inspires wonder and reflection.

Turkey produces over 70% of the world’s hazelnuts, especially along the Black Sea coast. These nuts are a staple in global treats like chocolate spreads. The harvest reflects the hard work of local farmers and their global impact.

The Turkish language uses a unique alphabet (Türk alfabesi) introduced in 1928 to promote literacy. Unlike its Arabic-script predecessor, it’s based on Latin letters with special characters like “ğ” and “ş.”

Turkish coffee, known for its thick, strong brew, is prepared in a special pot called a cezve. The grounds settle at the bottom, creating a unique texture enjoyed in small sips. The ritual of sharing coffee highlights Turkey’s hospitality and community spirit.

The ancient Lycian Way, a 335-mile (540-kilometer) hiking trail along Turkey’s southern coast, passes ruins, beaches and villages. Named after the Lycian civilization, it offers breathtaking views of the Mediterranean. The trail reflects Turkey’s blend of adventure and history.

Pray With Us

Turks living in earthquake zones have expressed how their lives have been deeply touched by the consistent sacrifices made by local believers who minister to them. Pray that they would be open to hearing the testimonies of these believers and be powerfully drawn to the gospel.

Ask God to encourage and strengthen Christian workers who are sharing about Jesus with students throughout Turkey. There are many barriers to the gospel and few students who express a desire to know Jesus. Pray that God’s Spirit would lead these believers, that they would joyfully carry the light of His gospel into dark places, and that God would transform lives and communities.

Ask the Lord to protect and strengthen marriages in Turkey, especially within the Turkish church. Pray that believers would deepen their biblical understanding of marriage and their commitment to love their spouses in God-honoring ways.

Six-Month Prayer Guide

Use this guide to help focus your daily prayers for six months. Each request covers a day of the week and centers on pivotal ministry needs.

Prayer Guide

Prayer Experience

Access a full list of prayer requests and add your own prayer request to our public prayer experience (web browser access only). Save it as a bookmark to return to it regularly.

View Prayer Requests

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