OPINION:
I sit here in tears, struggling to express the whirlwind of emotions that flood my heart. It’s been eight long years since I last set foot in Turkey — the land where I was born, the land I love deeply. Eight years of waiting, praying, and desperately listening for God’s voice. Now, the time has come. I feel it so strongly, but the weight of this call is almost too much to bear. After all the threats, the fear, and the pain of separation, God is telling me to return.
I have a deep, unshakable passion for the Muslim people, especially for the Turkish people, to know the unconditional love of Jesus Christ. This passion has been my driving force for as long as I can remember. I want them to know the freedom, the forgiveness, and the transformation that only Jesus can bring. I want them to understand the Good News — the message of salvation that changed my life forever. And yet, I know that returning to Turkey to share that message could cost me everything.
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For years, my Christian TV and social media ministry has been a lifeline for so many Turkish believers. I’ve poured my heart into reaching them, despite the growing threats and warnings to stay away. I’ve received countless messages, some anonymous, others more direct, warning me that if I return, my life will be in danger. Every warning felt like a dagger in my heart, but still, my love for the people of Turkey never wavered. I long for them to experience the love of Christ as I have.
Eight years ago, God told me not to return. And as much as I ached to go back, I obeyed. I prayed and ministered from afar, trusting that God had a plan in the waiting. But now, His voice is clear — He is telling me to go. I’ve waited for this moment.
Last year, I lost my father. I wasn’t even able to return to Turkey to bury him, to say goodbye. The pain of that separation still breaks me to this day. It was one of the most painful moments of my life, feeling the weight of exile, knowing that my father was gone, and I couldn’t even be there. The grief is heavy, the ache of exile deep. And in that pain, I wanted nothing more than to return to my homeland. But God said, “Not yet.” I couldn’t understand it at the time, but I trusted Him.
In those years of waiting, Turkey has changed. The government has become more hostile toward Christians, aligning itself with stricter Islamist policies. Persecution is rising, churches are being shut down, and believers are under intense pressure. I know that by returning, I am walking into a dangerous situation. The threats haven’t disappeared; if anything, they’ve multiplied. But my heart burns with the desire for the Turkish people to hear about Jesus, to know the love that transformed my life and set me free.
I feel much like the Apostle Paul when he was warned by his friends not to go to Jerusalem. They took his belt, bound his hands, and told him that he would be arrested if he went. But Paul’s response has always stayed with me. He said, “I am ready not only to be bound but also to die for the name of the Lord Jesus.” (Acts 21:13). I’ve always admired that faith, and now I find myself in a similar position. The threats are real, but God is calling me, and I must go.
This is not just about my own journey; it’s about the people of Turkey. It’s about Muslims who are lost, and who need to know the truth of Jesus Christ. It’s about showing them the unconditional love of God, a love that can break the chains of oppression, sin, and hopelessness. I know what it feels like to be trapped in darkness, to believe lies, and to live without hope. That’s why my heart burns so fiercely for the Turkish people to experience the same freedom and love I found in Jesus.
I’ve spent years longing to share the Good News with my people face to face. I’ve seen how powerful the message of Christ is, even through a screen. But now, I believe God is calling me to stand with them, to walk among them, and to proclaim His love in person. I know I may face prison. I know I may face worse. But I also know that God is with me. Just as He led Paul through dangerous paths, I trust Him to lead me now.
“If you love me, keep my commands.” (John 14:15). This is what sustains me. My love for God compels me to obey Him, even when it’s terrifying. And my love for the people of Turkey is what drives me forward. I cannot stand by while so many live without knowing the truth, without knowing the love of Christ. My obedience isn’t just for me — it’s for them.
I can’t deny the sadness of the loss. The pain of being separated from my father still weighs on me, and the danger of what might happen when I return is real. But the call of God is louder. His voice is what carries me forward. This is not about me; this is about souls that need to be saved and there are people I need to meet in person to minister. He is calling me for specific people He chose.
I go now, not knowing what will happen, but knowing that I am in God’s hands. My heart is broken for Turkey, for my people, for the Muslims who need to know that Jesus is the true God and that He loves them unconditionally to the point of dying for them. I have to trust that God will use my obedience to reach them, even if it costs me everything.
I go because I love them, and because Jesus loves them even more.
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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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