During 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.
Recognized as the capital of tourism in Turkey, Antalya, sits on the Mediterranean coast and is home to over 2.6 million people. As the fourth most visited city in the world, people from many nations come to see the historic sites, enjoy the stunning beaches, go on outdoor adventures, and party at the clubs and bars.
Established at least 150 years before the birth of Christ, Paul and Barnabus passed through Antalya (formerly called Attalia) on their way from Perga to get a ship back to Antioch (Acts 14:25-26).
While there are still poor and uneducated people in Antalya, many people are caught up in the dream of pursuing wealth, prestige, and the things of this world. Interest in New Age spirituality is increasing with others looking to nature to meet their spiritual needs.
The high turnover of people either visiting or living in this city creates opportunities for sowing the seeds of the gospel as well as challenges for loving fellowship and obedience based discipleship.
Unreached people groups living in Antalya include but aren't limited to: Turks, Yoruk, Iranian Azeri Turks, Persians, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, etc. Due to the many people coming to Antalya for holidays or work, it is a strategic city to impact many people who can then take the good news back to their families and communities.
Psalm 145:3
"Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! No one can measure his greatness."
Prayer Point:
Lord, we thank you for the beauty of Antalya and the people who live there! You are worthy of praise and we thank you for demonstrating your greatness in the colors of the sea, the mountains, and the waterfalls near Antalya. We know you designed this beauty to reveal your invisible qualities so the people in this place could turn and seek you. Deliver all those who are seeking to worship created things and turn their hearts to you the powerful Creator! We ask that in the midst of many distractions you will help your children focus on seeking your kingdom and your righteousness. Give our brothers and sisters eyes to see and hearts to make the most of every opportunity to share the good news and make disciples with the many people living, working, and visiting Antalya. We ask that this city will become a hub where people take the good news back to their various towns, cities, and countries.
