OPINION:
Ten years. That’s how long I waited, prayed, and hoped before stepping foot again in my homeland of Turkey. For a decade, the doors to return to the land of my birth were closed, as was the freedom to share the message that had transformed my life. But this year, God opened the way, and my first trip back after exile became a journey unlike any I’ve ever experienced.
It wasn’t easy returning to Turkey after such a long absence and it felt like stepping into the unknown. But as I landed in Istanbul, my heart carried an unwavering assurance: God was preparing something extraordinary. And extraordinary it was.
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A nation in transition
Turkey stands at a crossroads. Politically, socially, and spiritually, the country is grappling with seismic shifts. Amid these changes, I encountered something I hadn’t seen in years: a deep, pervasive hunger for truth.
Everywhere I went, people wanted to talk — not just about politics or the economy but about matters of the soul. They asked about peace, hope, and eternity. They longed for something more than the rituals of religion or the weight of cultural expectations.
SEE ALSO: After eight years of exile, I’m returning home to Islamic Turkey as a Christian
This openness wasn’t limited to individuals. Spiritual leaders — people who might never have engaged with me a decade ago — sat down for conversations. We discussed faith, truth, and the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. I was amazed by their curiosity and the warmth with which they welcomed me.
Miracles and healing
Turkey is not a place where miracles are often celebrated publicly, but that didn’t stop God from moving. I saw firsthand the power of prayer and the healing touch of Jesus.
One woman, suffering from chronic pain for years, was completely healed after we prayed together. Tears filled her eyes as she exclaimed, “I feel like I’ve been set free!” Another man, weighed down by years of guilt and shame, found peace and joy for the first time after committing his life to Christ.
These stories were not isolated incidents. Day after day, I witnessed lives transformed, hearts healed, and burdens lifted. Each testimony reminded me of why I do what I do: to share the boundless love and hope found in Jesus.
Reaching the unreachable
During my time in Turkey, I produced over 250 video teachings and messages. These resources, designed for a Muslim audience, are now being shared across Turkey and the broader Middle East.
The response has been overwhelming. Messages of gratitude pour in daily: “Thank you for helping me understand who Jesus really is,” one viewer wrote. Another shared, “Your words gave me hope in a time of darkness.”
This digital outreach is opening doors to discipleship and community for seekers and new believers alike, many of whom have no access to a local church.
The harvest is plentiful
Turkey is changing, and the spiritual atmosphere is shifting. As I walked the streets of my homeland, I couldn’t help but feel that now is the time for the gospel to take root in ways we’ve only dreamed of.
“The harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few.” These words of Jesus have never rung truer. While the opportunities are greater than ever, so is the need for laborers who are willing to answer the call.
A call to action
As I returned to the United States, my heart burned with renewed passion for the Muslim world. The journey back to Turkey wasn’t just a personal milestone; it was a reminder of the vast, untapped potential for ministry in regions long considered “closed.”
I invite my fellow Christians to pray for Turkey and the Middle East. Pray for those who are searching, for those who have found Christ, and for those who will rise up as workers in this harvest field. The need is great, but our God is greater.
To those reading this, I ask: What role will you play in this movement? Will you pray? Will you give? Will you go?
The doors are opening. The time is now. Let us step forward together in faith, trusting that the One who calls us is faithful.
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Işık Abla Ministries (IAM) is a global beacon of hope and empowerment led by visionary founder, President, and CEO Işık Abla. As a Muslim believer, she is uniquely positioned, knowing the culture, language, and social norms, to authentically and relationally share the good news of Jesus Christ with Muslims. Today, Işık’s programs are broadcast in multiple languages in over 200 countries on six continents and are available to more than 700 million people.
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