The pastor of the Çekmeköy branch of Kurtuluş Kilisesi Derneği (Association of Salvation Church) requests prayer after the building was shot at on the evening of 31 December.
On 2 January police arrested two suspects, Serkan P. (33) and Veysi A. (33). Apparently, Veysi confessed that they went to the place and fired a shot, but Serkan claimed it was over an issue of debt. However, one of the assailants was reported as shouting, “We will not allow you to brainwash our Muslim youth! O infidels, you will be defeated and gathered together and exiled to hell.”
The bullet was shot from a car and passed through the iron shutters and glass front, lodging in the wall.
The church was previously attacked on 18 December 2023, when two assailants were caught on CCTV ripping the signs off of the church. The event was reported to police, who apprehended the perpetrators. The church has also received numerous threats through social media.
The pastor reports that police were quick to respond to the incident and the neighbours have expressed their sadness over the event. The congregation is disturbed but is responding with faith that God will bring good out of the attack.
Prayer Points
Prayer is requested that:
- The perpetrators will repent of their actions,
- God will encourage and strengthen the pastor and church,
- More people will become curious about Jesus Christ through the publicity this incident has generated.
