Lovefast 9: Turkish delight - Turks in the UK
Day 9 of 30
By John from a local Mahabba group
Inspired by today's entry in the 30 Days of Prayer booklet, but with a UK twist!
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Daily verse
Thought for the day
Turks in the UK
After the attempted coup in Turkey in 2016 the government clamped down on anyone even vaguely associated with it. Some were able to flee the country, even leaving their families behind. None can return without likely arrest.
For over a year a group of local Christians in our town has been meeting with some of these Muslims from Turkey to discuss the Scriptures. This is something they were very keen to do. The local Mahabba Group wrote about these encounters:
We have looked at the significance of Abraham and Joseph, some psalms and issues of hospitality, life-style, forgiveness, grace, judgement and eternity. All of us have come to understand ourselves and each other better from these encounters. We have enjoyed celebrating Christmas and Easter together and joining in Iftar parties. Friendships have developed and we have been able to give support to this group of relative newcomers to this country.
This is an example of what Mahabba love for the 'foreigner in your midst' can achieve when you love them as yourself..... It has been a source of real delight.
Prayer for the day
Pray that people find Jesus as they seek to understand and integrate into British society and who face great difficulties as they cannot visit family members back on their country of origin (like these friends from Turkey).
Daily action
Are you and your church ready to welcome refugees? Visit Welcome Churches below to see what you could do.
Your turn
Let us know how it went! Leave a comment below, or tag us on social media with the #lovefast hashtag on social media. You can find us on Facebook and Twitter!
Resources
Do you want to involve your church in blessing Muslim people through prayer and friendship?
There are new 30 Days of Prayer church resources available for you:
Pray Together as a Congregation
Small Group Session
Night of Power Prayer Meeting
Prayer Walk Guide
What’s your next step after 30 Days? There are loads of resources to help you on your journey.