Reveal Yourself through Awesome Power, Signs, and Wonders
God, you are wonderful! We pray that every Turkish speaking Kurdish soul will come to respect you and that miracles and signs will be done in the name of Jesus. We pray that believers will happily share, and will meet and break bread together with glad hearts, and that you will add every day to the number being saved!
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
Luke 12:11-12 “And when you are brought to trial in the synagogues and before rulers and authorities, don’t worry about how to defend yourself or what to say, for the Holy Spirit will teach you at that time what needs to be said.”
ReadActs 4:19-20 "But Peter and John replied, 'Do you think God wants us to obey you rather than him? We cannot stop telling about everything we have seen and heard.' ... For everyone was praising God for this miraculous sign—the healing of a man who had been lame for more than forty years."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Siliguri, India today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. Acts 18:8 "Crispus, the leader of the synagogue, and everyone in his household believed in the Lord. Many others in Corinth also heard Paul, became believers, and were baptized."
ReadActs 1:8 “But when the Holy Spirit comes to you, you will receive power. You will be my witnesses—in Jerusalem, in all of Judea, in Samaria, and in every part of the world.”
ReadDisciple-Making Principle: Distribute "Hot Coals" Have you ever tried to start a new fire with only a few logs, sticks and a match? It takes time; you must commit to spending all your focus and energy on getting this new fire started, or else it won't catch fire, or worse it will - but will soon be snuffed out.
ReadActs 4:13 "The leaders saw that Peter and John were not afraid to speak, and they understood that these men had no special training or education. So they were amazed. Then they realized that Peter and John had been with Jesus."
ReadDeuteronomy 10:21 "He alone is your God, the only one who is worthy of your praise, the one who has done these mighty miracles that you have seen with your own eyes. "
ReadActs 4:13 "The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus. But since they could see the man who had been healed standing right there among them, there was nothing the council could say."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Patna, India today! The video linked here is NOT a prayer video, but does contain great pictures from the city and points out important places to be prayed for. We are NOT advertising for this tourism video, only allowing you a chance to see the people and places of Patna.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. Matthew 28:18-20 "Jesus came and told his disciples, 'I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth. Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit. Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.'"
ReadActs 13:2-3 “They were all worshiping the Lord and fasting for a certain time. During this time the Holy Spirit said to them, 'Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul to do a special work for which I have chosen them.' So after they fasted and prayed, they laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul and sent them out."
ReadDisciple Making Principle: Train and Release Thriving Movements have a few common characteristics, one of which is the on-going, "on time" training and coaching of their disciples.
ReadActs 14:23 "Paul and Barnabas also appointed elders in every church. With prayer and fasting, they turned the elders over to the care of the Lord, in whom they had put their trust."
ReadRevelation 21:3-5 “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them. He will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain. All these things are gone forever.” And the one sitting on the throne said, “Look, I am making everything new!” And then he said to me, “Write this down, for what I tell you is trustworthy and true.”
ReadActs 4:12 "There is salvation in no one else! God has given no other name under heaven by which we must be saved.”
ReadDuring the month of November let's pray together for the strategic city of Istanbul. We encourage you to find out more about Istanbul and the unique history, culture and people of this beautiful city. All month long we ask that you direct your prayers here.
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Lucknow, India today!
ReadRomans 15:20-21 "My ambition has always been to preach the Good News where the name of Christ has never been heard, rather than where a church has already been started by someone else. I have been following the plan spoken of in the Scriptures, where it says, 'Those who have never been told about him will see, and those who have never heard of him will understand.' ”
ReadDisciple Making Principle: Focus on the Gaps One thing that every disciple needs to be equipped in is to have eyes to see where the kingdom isn’t. Now that sounds kind of strange. We’re naturally wired to look at what is. But we need to develop eyes to see where the kingdom isn’t.
Read2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."
ReadGenesis 1:28 "Then God blessed them and said, 'Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.' "
ReadActs 4:11 "For Jesus is the one referred to in the Scriptures, where it says, ‘The stone that you builders rejected has now become the cornerstone.’ "
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Kanpur, India today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today Romans 8:3 "The law of Moses was unable to save us because of the weakness of our sinful nature. So God did what the law could not do. He sent his own Son in a body like the bodies we sinners have. And in that body God declared an end to sin’s control over us by giving his Son as a sacrifice for our sins." The Tartar People The Tartar people in Turkey have their ancestry in Mongolia. Many live a transient lifestyle. Some believe in supernatural powers such as the "evil eye", involving the ability to curse someone with an intense look. Unlike most Muslims some of the Tatar eat pork, and very few observe the prescribed Islamic fasts. They remain more liberal than most orthodox Muslims of Central Asia, even inviting women to pray in the mosques instead of at home. Unfortunately, the Tatars' view of Christianity has been scarred by negative interactions with the Russian Orthodox Church and its earlier attempts to convert them through force. This has served to push them to be more dedicated to Islam and wary of any form of Christianity. Pray for barriers to be broken down. Pray for Muslim background disciple makers to be sent from other movements to the Tartars in Turkey.
ReadDisciple Making Principle: Movements Start New Movements In the past 30 years of practicing DMM, research shows that over 80% of movements are started by other movements. Part of the reason behind this is momentum. A movement is defined by most as: a rapid and exponential growth in making disciples. Among the DMM community we say you have reached movement status when there are at least 4 generations of churches among at least 4 different streams, including around 1000+ people. That is momentum! Once you've reached this level of healthy disciples who are reproducing themselves you also begin to see these churches gain a heart for other people groups, cities, and nations. They begin to desire to reach beyond their boarders and see others come into the Kingdom too. This is why it is important to continue to coach and mentor current movements. They are highly effective in starting new movements in neighboring regions. Pray for movement leaders to work well with other movement leaders as they lead their movements in finding the best strategies for starting new movements.
ReadRomans 10: 14 & 17 "But how can they call on him to save them unless they believe in him? And how can they believe in him if they have never heard about him? And how can they hear about him unless someone tells them? " "So faith comes from hearing, that is, hearing the Good News about Christ."
Read2 Timothy 3:16-17 "All Scripture is inspired by God and is useful to teach us what is true and to make us realize what is wrong in our lives. It corrects us when we are wrong and teaches us to do what is right. God uses it to prepare and equip his people to do every good work."
ReadActs 4:5-10 "The next day the council of all the rulers and elders and teachers of religious law met in Jerusalem. Annas the high priest was there, along with Caiaphas, John, Alexander, and other relatives of the high priest. They brought in the two disciples and demanded, “By what power, or in whose name, have you done this?” Then Peter, filled with the Holy Spirit, said to them, “Rulers and elders of our people, are we being questioned today because we’ve done a good deed for a crippled man? Do you want to know how he was healed? Let me clearly state to all of you and to all the people of Israel that he was healed by the powerful name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, the man you crucified but whom God raised from the dead."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Hyderabad, India today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today Psalm 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God! I will be honored by every nation. I will be honored throughout the world." The Tajik People Many of the Tajik people living in Turkey have migrated from Iran, Tajikastan, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan in hopes of finding a better, or at least easier, life. Many have not found this in Turkey yet continue to walk around without hope. Tajiks in Turkey are a proud, diverse, surviving people, but are also recognized to be gracious and hospitable. They are hard workers and very family oriented. Like most peoples of Central Asia, the Tajiks can be either urban or rural. Tajiks are virtually all Muslim, with most being Sunni Muslims of the conservative Hanafite branch. However, they also practice spiritism based on folk beliefs that include the use of amulets and charms. For some of them, especially those in Turkish urban areas, Islam has been weakened. The Tajik people are still classified as unreached no matter where in the world they live.
ReadMark 1:38 "But Jesus replied, “We must go on to other towns as well, and I will preach to them, too. That is why I came.”
ReadDisciple Making Principle: Model, Assist, Watch, and Launch What is M.A.W.L.? It has to do with the disciple making process. Jesus used this process with His disciples. He modeled how to do the work of the Kingdom. They went with Him, watched Him and learned. He then invited them to assist Him in the work. They joined Him in feeding the five thousand, and in healing the sick, casting out demons, etc. He then sent them out to do the same. Then He checked in with them (watch) to see how they were doing. Jesus left and returned to Heaven, giving them a command and commission to carry on the work. Most DMM Catalysts are good at modeling and good at leaving. We don’t do so well on the assist and watch parts of M.A.W.L. Modeling is fun and exciting. If you are a natural pioneer, you also like to leave, moving on to new places and visions. The assist and watch parts of M.A.W.L. are vitally important. They are essential aspects of the disciple making process.
Read2 Timothy 2:2 "You have heard me teach things that have been confirmed by many reliable witnesses. Now teach these truths to other trustworthy people who will be able to pass them on to others."
ReadPsalm 33:20-22 "We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone."
ReadActs 4:1-4 "While Peter and John were speaking to the people, they were confronted by the priests, the captain of the Temple guard, and some of the Sadducees. These leaders were very disturbed that Peter and John were teaching the people that through Jesus there is a resurrection of the dead. They arrested them and, since it was already evening, put them in jail until morning. But many of the people who heard their message believed it, so the number of men who believed now totaled about 5,000."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Bhopal, India today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today Matthew 19:26 "Jesus looked at them intently and said, “Humanly speaking, it is impossible. But with God everything is possible.” The Somali People The 28,000 Somali living in Turkey do have access to a complete translated Bible, along with several audio and video options to hear about the truth of Jesus. Sadly, they still remain some of the least reached both in the world and those within Turkey. Somali in Turkey tend to stick together in smaller communities, making breakthrough into this population a little more challenging. Pray for the gospel to penitrate this community and spread rapidly. Our God is a God of the impossible.
ReadEphesians 3:20 "Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think. Glory to him in the church and in Christ Jesus through all generations forever and ever! Amen."
ReadDisciple Making Principle: Anticipate Rapid Reproduction One of the most striking characteristics of Church Planting Movements is the speed at which they grow and multiply. This is due in part to the focus on rapid reproduction, but also to the fact that these movements often occur in areas with high population density and a high degree of social connectivity. Rapid reproduction is facilitated by the use of simple, reproducible models of church planting and disciple making, as well as a reliance on lay leadership and small, informal gatherings of believers. This allows for new churches to be started quickly and easily, without the need for extensive resources or external support. Healthy churches are characterized by a vibrant worship life, a commitment to sharing the Gospel with others, a willingness to serve their communities, a focus on discipleship and education, and a deep sense of community and fellowship among members.
ReadEphesians 6:18 "Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere."
ReadMatthew 6:10 "May your Kingdom come. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
ReadActs 3:22-26 "Moses said, ‘The Lord your God will raise up for you a Prophet like me from among your own people. Listen carefully to everything he tells you.’ Then Moses said, ‘Anyone who will not listen to that Prophet will be completely cut off from God’s people.’ "
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Asansol, India today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today Luke 13:10-13 "One Sabbath day as Jesus was teaching in a synagogue, he saw a woman who had been crippled by an evil spirit. She had been bent double for eighteen years and was unable to stand up straight. When Jesus saw her, he called her over and said, “Dear woman, you are healed of your sickness!” Then he touched her, and instantly she could stand straight. How she praised God!" The Shikaki People The Shikaki Kurdish are actually part of a much greater Kurd population. They have experienced great oppression and hate in Turkey. They follow Islam, hoping for social justice, but finding none. Mullahs (Muslim spiritual leaders) play an important role in the social and cultural life of those living in the country. Until recent times, mullahs would act as village witch doctors, performing ceremonies and reciting chants to drive out madness or cure the sick. However, We know only Jesus can truly heal and restore the sick and weary.
Read1 Peter 2:4-5 "You are coming to Christ, who is the living cornerstone of God’s temple. He was rejected by people, but he was chosen by God for great honor. And you are living stones that God is building into his spiritual temple. What’s more, you are his holy priests. Through the mediation of Jesus Christ, you offer spiritual sacrifices that please God."
ReadDuring the month of October let's pray together for the strategic city of Gaziantep, in Southeast Turkey. We encourage you to find out more about Gaziantep and the unique history, culture and people of this historical city. All month long we ask that you direct your prayers here.
ReadIsaiah 40:1-2 "'Comfort, comfort my people,' says your God. 'Speak tenderly to Jerusalem. Tell her that her sad days are gone and her sins are pardoned. Yes, the Lord has punished her twice over for all her sins.'"
ReadMicah 6:8 "No, O people, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what he requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God."
ReadActs 3:17-21 - Repentance Leads to Refreshment from God, Who Dwells with Us “Friends, I realize that what you and your leaders did to Jesus was done in ignorance. But God was fulfilling what all the prophets had foretold about the Messiah—that he must suffer these things. Now repent of your sins and turn to God, so that your sins may be wiped away. Then times of refreshment will come from the presence of the Lord, and he will again send you Jesus, your appointed Messiah. For he must remain in heaven until the time for the final restoration of all things, as God promised long ago through his holy prophets.'"
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Amritsar, India today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today Acts 8:13 "Then Simon himself believed and was baptized. He began following Philip wherever he went, and he was amazed by the signs and great miracles Philip performed." The Romani People Romani speaking people originated in India where their ancestors worked as musicians, entertainers, and metal workers. They were discriminated against and excluded from Hindu temples. Later, they were sent to Persia. After traveling south they became known as Middle Eastern Romani. Many live a hard life as refugees or nomads, collecting recycleable goods or begging on the street to pay for food, though some are settled in houses. Romani marriages usually take place between couples in their teens. The quality of health care, nutrition, housing, and education tends to be poor in Romani communities. They are usually Muslim, and they follow the practices and beliefs of the Islamic faith, though there are a few Christians in Turkey.
ReadJohn 4:28-30, 39 'The woman left her water jar beside the well and ran back to the village, telling everyone, “Come and see a man who told me everything I ever did! Could he possibly be the Messiah?” So the people came streaming from the village to see him...Many Samaritans from the village believed in Jesus because the woman had said, “He told me everything I ever did!”'
ReadDisciple-making Principle: Share Effectively With Many People The Lord delights in saving people and bringing them into His family. How people respond is out of our hands but our role is to just faithfully, lovingly, and effectively share His kingdom with many people. Through sharing broadly we find those who respond to the Lord.
ReadIsaiah 54:4-8 "'Fear not; you will no longer live in shame. Don’t be afraid; there is no more disgrace for you. You will no longer remember the shame of your youth and the sorrows of widowhood. For your Creator will be your husband; the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is his name! He is your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel, the God of all the earth. For the Lord has called you back from your grief—as though you were a young wife abandoned by her husband,' says your God. 'For a brief moment I abandoned you, but with great compassion I will take you back. In a burst of anger I turned my face away for a little while. But with everlasting love I will have compassion on you,' says the Lord, your Redeemer."
ReadPsalm 27:4 "The one thing I ask of the Lord— the thing I seek most— is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple."
ReadActs 3:15 - The Resurrection, the Life, and the Hope "You killed the author of life, but God raised him from the dead. And we are witnesses of this fact!"
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Mombasa, Kenya today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today Matthew 13:33 "Jesus also used this illustration: 'The Kingdom of Heaven is like the yeast a woman used in making bread. Even though she put only a little yeast in three measures of flour, it permeated every part of the dough.'" Pontic Greek People The Pontic Greeks in Turkey traditionally lived on the southern shores of the Black Sea. They suffered widespread massacres and what is now usually termed "ethnic cleansing" at the beginning of the 20th century. Many found refuge by hiding in the mountains, and others migrated to other countries. The surviving Pontic Greeks converted to Islam which allowed some of them to escape Muslim Turk persecution. There are currently no Christian resources (scripture, videos, etc.) in the Pontic Greek language.
ReadMatthew 13:23 "The seed that fell on good soil represents those who truly hear and understand God’s word and produce a harvest of thirty, sixty, or even a hundred times as much as had been planted!”
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Keep It Simple To Multiply Disciple makers are aware that simple things reproduce; simple things multiply. Sowing into good soil means investing in the people who are ready and able to understand the message of the gospel. We will reproduce what we model, so disciple makers must simplify their methods. Whatever each disciple maker does should be easily reproducible by those to whom they are sent.
Read1 Peter 2:9 "But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light."
ReadPsalm 97:1, 5-6 "The Lord is king! Let the earth rejoice! Let the farthest coastlands be glad...The mountains melt like wax before the Lord, before the Lord of all the earth. The heavens proclaim his righteousness; every nation sees his glory."
ReadActs 3:12-13 - Glory to Jesus, Not Those Who Serve Him "Peter saw his opportunity and addressed the crowd. 'People of Israel,' he said, 'what is so surprising about this? And why stare at us as though we had made this man walk by our own power or godliness? For it is the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—the God of all our ancestors—who has brought glory to his servant Jesus by doing this. This is the same Jesus whom you handed over and rejected before Pilate, despite Pilate’s decision to release him.'"
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Djibouti, Djibouti today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today 2 Corinthians 3:4-5 "We are confident of all this because of our great trust in God through Christ. It is not that we think we are qualified to do anything on our own. Our qualification comes from God." The Pomak People The name Pomak means, "people who have suffered." Some consider this Slavic people a subgroup of the Bulgarians. The largest Pomak population is in Turkey, and they were relatively isolated from other Muslims for centuries. Their language even lacks many religious words vital to the Islamic faith and traditions. The Pomaks in Turkey have an identity crisis — they faced rejection by the Bulgarians (for their religion), and the Turks (for their language).
ReadActs 4:13 "The members of the council were amazed when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, for they could see that they were ordinary men with no special training in the Scriptures. They also recognized them as men who had been with Jesus."
ReadDisciple Making Principle: Know That Every Disciple Is A Disciple Maker God has made all believers disciple makers because His Holy Spirit dwells within us and enables us. He has given each of us various relationships and opportunities to make disciples among our relatives, friends, coworkers, neighbors, and others we interact with in our daily lives. When every disciple understands their role as a disciple maker the light shines, more people hear the good news, more people enter the kingdom, and in turn are equipped to make disciples in their circles of influence.
ReadIsaiah 9:2 "The people who walk in darkness will see a great light. For those who live in a land of deep darkness, a light will shine." Isaiah 60:19-20 “No longer will you need the sun to shine by day, nor the moon to give its light by night, for the Lord your God will be your everlasting light, and your God will be your glory. Your sun will never set; your moon will not go down. For the Lord will be your everlasting light. Your days of mourning will come to an end." Matthew 4:16 "the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”
ReadMatthew 5:48 "But you are to be perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect."
ReadActs 3:1-10 - Miraculous Healing "But Peter said, 'I don’t have any silver or gold for you. But I’ll give you what I have. In the name of Jesus Christ the Nazarene, get up and walk!' Then Peter took the lame man by the right hand and helped him up. And as he did, the man’s feet and ankles were instantly healed and strengthened. He jumped up, stood on his feet, and began to walk! Then, walking, leaping, and praising God, he went into the Temple with them. All the people saw him walking and heard him praising God. When they realized he was the lame beggar they had seen so often at the Beautiful Gate, they were absolutely astounded!"
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Khartoum, Sudan today!
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today 1 Corinthians 11:1 "And you should imitate me, just as I imitate Christ."
ReadLuke 6:40 "The student is not above the teacher, but everyone who is fully trained will be like their teacher."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Model To Reproduce In movements, it's crucial to keep things simple so they can be reproduced by all disciples and churches. However, merely telling people isn't adequate. For example in the first several chapters of Luke, Jesus modeled proclaiming the kingdom, healing the sick, and casting out demons. Then in Luke 9 and 10, he sent his disciples out to do the same! Disciple makers must model with the goal of reproducing so that new disciples and churches can be fully trained and equipped and so this healthy DNA can be passed along to each spiritual generation.
ReadPsalm 86:9-10 "All the nations you made will come and bow before you, Lord; they will praise your holy name. For you are great and perform wonderful deeds. You alone are God."
ReadDuring the month of September let's pray together for the strategic city of Antalya. We encourage you to find out more about Antalya and the unique history, culture and people of this beautiful city. All month long we ask that you direct your prayers here.
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Dakar, Senegal.
ReadRomans 12:13 "When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Sacrificially Help Those in Need Our Father in heaven is our great example of this movement principle; He is always extravagantly generous with everyone. In 2 Corinthians 9:6 we are reminded that "whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously." When disciples serve as the hands and feet of Jesus in their communities they demonstrate the Father's unconditional love which many people have never felt before.
ReadIsaiah 11:9 "Nothing will hurt or destroy in all my holy mountain, for as the waters fill the sea, so the earth will be filled with people who know the Lord." Matthew 6:10 "May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven."
ReadJohn 15:15 "I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you." Acts 1:8 " But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes upon you. And you will be my witnesses, telling people about me everywhere—in Jerusalem, throughout Judea, in Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Matthew 28:20 "Teach these new disciples to obey all the commands I have given you. And be sure of this: I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Kano, Nigeria.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. Romans 8:28 "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose." The Laz People In Turkish folklore, the Laz had a reputation for plundering, piracy, and kidnapping. Today, however, this indigenous people group are respected as industrious, educated, adventurous, and trustworthy people. Centuries ago, many Laz converted to Christianity. When the Ottomans conquered Turkey in the fifteenth century most Laz became Sunni Muslims. Today, many Laz in Turkey are known for their traditionally conservative Islam.
ReadPhilippians 3:13-14 " No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Learn From Mistakes Movements have many challenges, mistakes, and problems as discipling people is never straightforward or easy. The sooner disciple makers can reflect on and grow from a mistake, the quicker they will be able to find the most effective ways to make multiplying disciples.
ReadPsalm 22:27-28 "The whole earth will acknowledge the Lord and return to him. All the families of the nations will bow down before him. For royal power belongs to the Lord. He rules all the nations."
ReadJohn 15:1-8 "I am the true grapevine, and my Father is the gardener. He cuts off every branch of mine that doesn’t produce fruit, and he prunes the branches that do bear fruit so they will produce even more. You have already been pruned and purified by the message I have given you. Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father."
ReadActs 2:45 - Selling Possessions "They sold their property and possessions and shared the money with those in need."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Niamey, Niger.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. Colossians 3:12 "Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience." The Kyrgyz People in Turkey The Kyrgyz are a Turkic people who originated in southern Siberia and northeastern China. For centuries they often needed to flee dangerous nations. Today, most Kyrgyz are Muslim and many turn to mediums and seers to cure sickness with magic, communicate with spirits, and control events. Almost all new Kyrgyz believers have to go through a breaking of demonic powers over their lives. Pray for families to come into the Kingdom of light together and break their allegiances to evil spirits. Pray for these new disciples to learn they are dearly loved by God and how to clothe themselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
ReadPhilippians 2:3-4 "Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Walk in Humility The humility of a disciple maker speaks volumes where the world generally values the opposite: attention, saving face, and pride. As Paul says about Jesus in Philippians 2: "...he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death — even death on a cross!" As disciple makers are humble servants of those around them, they leave room for the Lord to move in power and receive all the glory.
ReadJeremiah 10:6, 7 "Lord, there is no one like you! For you are great, and your name is full of power. Who would not fear you, O King of nations? That title belongs to you alone! Among all the wise people of the earth and in all the kingdoms of the world, there is no one like you."
ReadPsalm 23: 1-6 "The Lord is my shepherd; I have all that I need. He lets me rest in green meadows; he leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name. Even when I walk through the darkest valley, I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me. Your rod and your staff protect and comfort me. You prepare a feast for me in the presence of my enemies. You honor me by anointing my head with oil. My cup overflows with blessings. Surely your goodness and unfailing love will pursue me all the days of my life, and I will live in the house of the Lord forever."
ReadReveal Yourself through Awesome Power, Signs, and Wonders
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Conakry, Guinea.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today.
ReadJohn 12:24 "I tell you the truth, unless a kernel of wheat is planted in the soil and dies, it remains alone. But its death will produce many new kernels—a plentiful harvest of new lives."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Die to Self Movement catalysts consistenly evaluate their disciple making practices to answer the question what is it going to take to reach this whole people group? They must be willing to die to themselves so that they may be available for however God wants to use them. As Jesus explained in John 12, "...unless a kernel of wheat falls to the ground and dies, it remains only a single seed. But if it dies, it produces many seeds."
ReadHebrews 9:14 "Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins."
ReadActs 4:24 "When they heard the report, all the believers lifted their voices together in prayer to God: “O Sovereign Lord, Creator of heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them—'"
ReadActs 2:42 "All the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching, and to fellowship, and to sharing in meals (including the Lord’s Supper), and to prayer."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso.
ReadDuring the month of August let's pray together for the strategic city of Diyarbakir, in Southeast Turkey. We encourage you to find out more about Diyarbakir and the unique history, culture and people of this historical city. All month long we ask that you direct your prayers here. Today, we're also praying specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey.
ReadHebrews 6:11-12 "Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true. Then you will not become spiritually dull and indifferent. Instead, you will follow the example of those who are going to inherit God’s promises because of their faith and endurance."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Have Faith and Persevere Multiplying disciples and starting movements takes time and lots of consistent effort. As one movement leader says, "These groups wouldn't be unreached if it were easy." Disciple makers need tenacity to keep trying no matter the setbacks, disappointments, and complications.
ReadIsaiah 38:17 "Yes, this anguish was good for me, for you have rescued me from death and forgiven all my sins." Isaiah 25:8 "He will swallow up death forever! The Sovereign Lord will wipe away all tears. He will remove forever all insults and mockery against his land and people. The Lord has spoken!"
Read1 Thessalonians 5:23-24 "Now may the God of peace make you holy in every way, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless until our Lord Jesus Christ comes again. God will make this happen, for he who calls you is faithful."
ReadColossians 1:18 "Christ is also the head of the church, which is his body. He is the beginning, supreme over all who rise from the dead. So he is first in everything." Acts 2:41 "Those who believed what Peter said were baptized and added to the church that day—about 3,000 in all."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Medan, Indonesia
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today.
Read2 Timothy 3:12 "Yes, and everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will suffer persecution."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Overcome Persecution and Suffering Disciples who are trying to multiply disciples to start movements can expect persecution, spiritual warfare, and suffering. At first, the persecution is likely to come from the existing church Body unfortunately. Later, when the disciple-making groups start to multiply rapidly and thousands are coming to faith, it is difficult not to be noticed. That is when external persecution is likely. Disciples may be targeted by authorities, called in for questioning, deported, or worse.
ReadColossians 4:3 "Pray for us, too, that God will give us many opportunities to speak about his mysterious plan concerning Christ. That is why I am here in chains." John 4:35 "You know the saying, ‘Four months between planting and harvest.’ But I say, wake up and look around. The fields are already ripe for harvest." Matthew 9:37-38 "He said to his disciples, 'The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.'”
ReadGenesis 1:26-27 "Then God said, 'Let us make human beings in our image, to be like us. They will reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, the livestock, all the wild animals on the earth, and the small animals that scurry along the ground.' So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them." Revelation 20:4 "Then I saw thrones, and the people sitting on them had been given the authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded for their testimony about Jesus and for proclaiming the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or his statue, nor accepted his mark on their foreheads or their hands. They all came to life again, and they reigned with Christ for a thousand years."
ReadJeremiah 33:6-8 “Nevertheless, the time will come when I will heal Jerusalem’s wounds and give it prosperity and true peace. I will restore the fortunes of Judah and Israel and rebuild their towns. I will cleanse them of their sins against me and forgive all their sins of rebellion."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Jakarta, Indonesia.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today.
ReadPsalm 40:3 "He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the Lord."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Develop Indigenous Praise and Worship Encouraging local followers to create their own forms of praise and worship is a really important element of how disciples in movements do church together, so that church looks as familiar and normal as it can in that cultural setting. The church works thoughtfully and prayerfully to indigenize praising Jesus into the forms that make sense today so that the church forms don’t look like Western churches and therefore erode people’s identity in their ethnicity or their nationality. They can fully be Christians within their national context.
ReadEphesians 6:12 "For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places." Psalm 24:7-10 "Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord, strong and mighty; the Lord, invincible in battle. Open up, ancient gates! Open up, ancient doors, and let the King of glory enter. Who is the King of glory? The Lord of Heaven’s Armies—he is the King of glory."
ReadJames 1:17 "Whatever is good and perfect is a gift coming down to us from God our Father, who created all the lights in the heavens. He never changes or casts a shifting shadow."
ReadActs 2:40 "Then Peter continued preaching for a long time, strongly urging all his listeners, 'Save yourselves from this crooked generation!'"
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Bandung, Indonesia.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today.
Read1 Thessalonians 5:18 "Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Give Thanks in Everything Disciple makers around the world talk about the significance of planting a DNA of thankfulness in new disciples. Many movements face unfathamable persecution, yet remain thankful to God and their movement family. No matter what advances a movement sees, or the struggles that try to tear it apart, disciples remember to give thanks in all situations.
Read2 Chronicles 7:14 "Then if my people who are called by my name will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sins and restore their land."
ReadActs 2:38-39 "Peter replied, 'Each of you must repent of your sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. This promise is to you, to your children, and to those far away —all who have been called by the Lord our God.'”
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today.
ReadJohn 15:26-27 “But I will send you the Advocate —the Spirit of truth. He will come to you from the Father and will testify all about me. And you must also testify about me because you have been with me from the beginning of my ministry."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Be Led By The Holy Spirit When the Spirit moves in a people group or city amazing things can happen. Movements today testify that many discovery bible studies begin because of an encounter with God. Many disciplemakers are led to lost people who need a miracle and this encounter with God kickstarts a discovery study group. Movement leaders tell of the Spirit leading them to new people and place, speaking for them when the enemy attacks, and giving them wisdom and knowledge previously unknown. The Spirit opens the doors for obedient disciplemakers to walk through. Pray for each disciple of Christ to remain close to Jesus and be led by the Spirit each and every day.
ReadDuring the month of July let's pray together for the strategic city of Ankara, the Capital of Turkey. We encourage you to find out more about Ankara and the unique history, culture and people of this historical city. All month long we ask that you direct your prayers here.
ReadPhilippians 2:5-8 "In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: who being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant..."
ReadActs 2:37-38 "When the people heard this, they were cut to the heart and said to Peter and the other apostles, 'Brothers, what shall we do?' Peter replied, 'Repent and be baptised, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.'"
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Islamabad, Pakistan.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it."
ReadRomans 12:10 "Be devoted to one another in love. Honour one another above yourselves."
ReadDisciple-Making Principle: The Church is a Family In disciple making movements we emphasize that Church ISN'T a building or a once a week event space. Church IS a group of disciples who have covenanted together to follow Jesus and obey his commands. The church supports one another throughout the week, living life together, doing ministry together and interacting on a deeper level, like a healthy family.
ReadEzekiel 36:25-27 "I will sprinkle clean water on you, and you will be clean; I will cleanse you from all your impurities and from all your idols. I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you; I will remove from you your heart of stone and give you a heart of flesh. And I will put my Spirit in you and move you to follow my decrees and be careful to keep my laws."
ReadMatthew 9:37-38 "He said to his disciples, 'The harvest is great, but the workers are few. So pray to the Lord who is in charge of the harvest; ask him to send more workers into his fields.'"
ReadActs 2:32 "God raised Jesus from the dead, and we are all witnesses of this."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Ahvaz, Iran.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. Matthew 15:8 "These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me."
ReadMark 16:20 "And the disciples went everywhere and preached, and the Lord worked through them, confirming what they said by many miraculous signs."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Multiply New Disciples and Churches Movements around the world measure their effectiveness by measuring how many healthy new disciples are making more healthy new disciples, and how many healthy churches are reproducing new healthy churches. Multiplication is instilled as DNA from the very first discovery bible study. Members are asked to obey the word and share the story they just learned with someone who needs to hear it. They are then taught that when they find an interested seeker they should encourage them to start their own discovery group. In this way discovery groups, and eventually churches, are multiplied quickly and effectively.
ReadPsalm 96:7-10 "O nations of the world, recognize the LORD; recognize that the LORD is glorious and strong. Give to the LORD the glory he deserves! Bring your offering and come into his courts. Worship the LORD in all his holy splendor. Let all the earth tremble before him. Tell all the nations, 'The LORD reigns!' The world stands firm and cannot be shaken. He will judge all the peoples fairly."
ReadRevelation 12:5 "She gave birth to a son who was to rule all nations with an iron rod. And her child was snatched away from the dragon and was caught up to God and his throne."
Read1 Thessalonians 2:18-20 "We wanted very much to come to you, and I, Paul, tried again and again, but Satan prevented us. After all, what gives us hope and joy, and what will be our proud reward and crown as we stand before our Lord Jesus when he returns? It is you! Yes, you are our pride and joy."
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for Medina, Saudi Arabia.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. 2 Corinthians 4:8 "We are pressed on every side by troubles, but we are not crushed. We are perplexed, but not driven to despair."
ReadProverbs 21:5 "Good planning and hard work lead to prosperity, but hasty shortcuts lead to poverty."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Go Slow to Go Fast In disciple making we want to focus on the foundations first; building character qualities and healthy DNA that will result in great depth and fruit. Movements often say "Focus on a few to win many." Jesus focused on the 12 disciples and mentored them for 3 years, and from them the church grew quickly. It takes time to develop healthy disciples worth multiplying, but when they do multiply they will produce healthy generational churches that are self sustaining and reproducing. Go slow now, in order to see the gospel spread faster and farther later.
ReadIsaiah 40:11 "He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young."
ReadMicah 7:18 "Where is another God like you, who pardons the guilt of the remnant, overlooking the sins of his special people? You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love."
ReadActs 2:25 "King David said this about him: 'I see that the Lord is always with me. I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me. No wonder my heart is glad, and my tongue shouts his praises! My body rests in hope. For you will not leave my soul among the dead or allow your Holy One to rot in the grave. You have shown me the way of life, and you will fill me with the joy of your presence.'"
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Damascus and Homs, Syria.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. Proverbs 1:5-6 "Let the wise listen to those proverbs and become even wiser. Let those with understanding recieve guidance by exploring the meaning in these proverbs and parables, the words of the wise and their riddles."
ReadEffective disciple makers in many areas of the world are NOT paid church employees, NOR are they paid sent out ones. In actuality, most movements encourage all believers to both work to earn money for their families AND go make disciples who make disciples who make more disciples.
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Access Bi-Vocational Ministry The strategy of reaching a community begins with building relationships.
ReadHaggai 2:7 "I will shake all the nations, and the treasures of all the nations will be brought to this Temple. I will fill this place with glory, says the Lord of Heaven's Armies."
Read2 Corinthians 2:14 "But thank God! He has made us his captives and continues to lead us along in Christ's triumphal procession. Now he uses us to spread the knowledge of Christ everywhere, like a sweet perfume."
ReadDuring the month of June let's pray together for the strategic city of Istanbul. We encourage you to find out more about Istanbul and the unique history, culture and people of this beautiful city. All month long we ask that you direct your prayers here.
ReadLet's broaden our global perspective and pray for the city of Amman, Jordan.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today. Matthew 28:18-20 "Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son and Holy Spirit, and teaching to obey all that I have commanded you. And be sure of this, I will be with you always."
Read2 Corinthians 9:6 "Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop."
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Sow the Gospel Generously Movements around the world report that for every 10 discovery groups that begin, 9 will not continue into becoming a church. But for the ONE that completes its journey into becoming a church, it has also instilled healthy DNA of obedience and multiplication. This ONE group can multiple itself 100 fold in a matter of months! Pray for many, many discovery groups to start in Turkey. Pray for those "Special ONES" to multiple greatly in depth and width. Ask for a movement of God in Turkey now!
ReadRevelation 5:9-10 "And they sang a new song with these words: 'You are worthy to take the scroll and break its seals and open it. For you were slaughtered, and your blood has ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have caused them to become a Kingdom of priests for our God. And they will reign on the earth.'"
ReadMatthew 20:16 "Those who are last now will be first then, and those who are first will be last."
ReadGod's plan for the Messiah to give his life as a ransom is both purposeful and pure.
ReadLet's pray specifically for one of the unreached people groups living in Turkey today.
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: Proclaim the Kingdom Effective disciple makers are asking the Holy Spirit to give them words, actions, signs and wonders, to announce the coming of the Kingdom with boldness and power.
ReadAll People Can Experience and Receive the Gift of the Spirit of God
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Jerusalem, Israel and the surrounding regions.
ReadLord above all Lords, your ways are higher than ours.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Cairo, Egypt and the surrounding regions.
ReadChrist, Still Confirming the Gospel Message through Miracles, Signs, and Wonders
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Tunis –Tunisia and the surrounding regions.
ReadJOHN 1:7; LUKE 2:32; 1 JOHN 1:5
ReadThe Good News Includes the Generous Gift of the Spirit Provided to All People
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Nouakchott, Mauritania and the surrounding regions.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Muscat, Oman and the surrounding regions.
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: WHEN POSSIBLE DISCIPLE GROUPS, NOT INDIVIDUALS
ReadGod, give wisdom regarding in whom to invest, both in developing leaders and forming new partnerships.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Tripoli, Libya and the surrounding regions.
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: TRAVEL LIGHT AND AVOID ENCUMBRANCES
ReadJesus is our example of moving forward in the face of resistance.
ReadPray for the Muslim world at this key time of the Night of Power at the end of Ramadan
ReadDisciplemaking Scripture: RECOGNIZE AND ENGAGE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: RECOGNIZE AND ENGAGE IN SPIRITUAL WARFARE
ReadPray for Spirt empowered and Spirit-directed boldness and leadership among the Northern Yemeni Arabs.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Karaj, Iran and the surrounding regions.
ReadPSALMS 108:5; 113:4; 92:8
ReadUnified Prayer That Leads to Spirit-led, Disciple-Making Breakthrough
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Shiraz –Iran and the surrounding regions.
ReadDisciplemaking Principle: LIFT UP EVERYWHERE HE IS ABOUT TO COME
ReadAll That We Are Is You. We Are Completely Reliant on You.
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Tabriz, Iran and the surrounding regions.
ReadLord, Pour Forth Your Holy Spirit
ReadPray for an Acts 19 movement to reach every unreached people and place in Mashhad, Iran and the surrounding regions.
Read