Christians in Turkey request continued prayer for pastor Andrew Brunson, who is scheduled to appear in court on 16 April 2018.
Andrew was indicted in a 62-page document submitted by the public prosecutor on 13 March charging Andrew with being linked to both the “terrorist group” connected to Fetullah Gulen, which is blamed for the 2016 coup attempt against the Turkish government, and the outlawed Kurdistan Workers’ Party (PKK). The charges rely heavily on the testimony of secret witnesses who make claims of his connections to the terrorist groups. These claims are categorically denied by Andrew and those close to him.
The indictment was leaked to the Turkish press before being given to Andrew or his lawyer, Ismail Cem Halavurt, who complained about this violation of confidentiality.
Andrew and his wife Norine were originally arrested on 7 October 2016 and told that they were to be deported as “a threat to national security.” Norine was subsequently released, but Andrew remains in prison without bail due to the allegations.
Prayer points
Please pray that:
- the Lord will strengthen Andrew, and that he and his family will know God’s peace and presence
- the Turkish court will uphold justice and reject the allegations of Andrew’s involvement in outlawed terrorist or political groups
- the Lord will give Andrew’s Turkish lawyer wisdom as he prepares to defend his client
- Andrew will be released soon and that those responsible for his imprisonment will repent of their actions
