Malatya Martyrs Remembered

"Malatya is a documentary about the first martyrs of the Turkish Church. On April 18th, 2007, Necati Aydin, Uğur Yüksel, and Tillmann Geske were brutally killed in Malatya, Turkey for proclaiming that Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of Lords. Necati and Uğur are the first known modern Turkish converts from Islam to Christianity to be killed for their faith."

These words describe an amazing film, shot by two college students from Austin, Texas and edited on their home computer (watch the trailer). God is using this effort to raise awareness of modern-day martyrs, and to mobilize prayer for Turkish Christians and the persecuted church worldwide.

Tomorrow, April 18, marks the two year anniversary of the killings. To mark this tragic event and to honor those who were murdered, the Association of Protestant Churches in Turkey is inviting Christians worldwide to join in a day of prayer for Turkey.

Many of you heard a first-hand testimony about the killings when Pastor Fikret, who is featured in the film, visited our church last February. You can still hear that message by clicking here. You can also read my previous blog post about one of the widows left behind by clicking here.

Please remember the Turkish church in your prayers, and if you would like to see the film yourself it is now part of our Youth Room library. Check it out next time you are in the office. Of course, you can bless those who produced the film by getting your own copy at malatyafilm.org.