Monday, May 28, 2007

Pray for the Tatar, Crimean of Turkey


Tatar, Crimean of Turkey

Population: 143,000
Language: Crimean Turkish
Religion: Islam
Evangelical: 0.00%

What are their beliefs? The Tatars are Sunni Muslims who belong to the Hanafite branch. However, they have no version of the Qu'ran in their language. The Muslim faith includes observing Ramadan, a month of ritual fasting. During Ramadan, they are praying for Islam to fill the earth.

What are their needs? Some evidence suggests that the Crimean Tatars have a thirst for the Word of God. Getting a translation of the Bible in their language is the most urgent need since only portions are available at this time. There is also a great need for laborers to work among the Tatars. Tentmakers with skills in agriculture and construction are needed, in addition to those who can evangelize and do church planting. Tatars also need job training and help in establishing small businesses. English language studies may be needed as well. Of the 143,000 Crimean Tatars living in Turkey, only a few have found abundant life in Jesus Christ. It is God's will for these precious people to come to know Him, for He "...is not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)

Prayer Points:

  • Ask the Lord to call full-time Christian workers who are willing to go to Turkey and share Christ with the Tatars.
  • Pray for those who are leaving comforts behind and risking their lives to return to their homeland.
  • Ask God to strengthen, encourage, and protect the small number of Crimean Tatar Christians.
  • Pray that God will raise up qualified linguists to translate the entire Word of God into the Crimean Tatar language.
  • Ask the Holy Spirit to soften their hearts towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
  • Pray that God will open the hearts of Turkish governmental leaders to the Gospel. Ask the Lord to raise up a strong local church among the Crimean Tatars.

Taking the Church Where It's Needed Most

2 comments:

MM Norris said...

Hi Kurt,

I really enjoyed the info. on the Tatar people. I prayed for you today.

Mark

Bryce Wesley Merkl said...

I really appreciate what you guys are doing here. While I can't do too much now (besides pray), I will share this with whoever is interested.This is a great site for learning and practicing the Crimean Tatar language for anyone interested in eventually translating the Bible into that language:

Qırımtatarca wiki browser