Through an outreach in Istanbul during Ramadan, two young women hear the good news of Christ.
Elaine (North America) has lived in Türkiye for four years and Maria (South America) has been there for one year. During holidays, they go out with other workers to pray for people and share the good news of Christ.
I circled the fountain with my friend Maria*, praying that God would guide us to the right people. The fountain sat between two of the most historic mosques in the world: Sultan Ahmet and Hagia Sophia (formerly a church).
We weren't just there during Ramadan, the holiest month in Islam, but on Laylat al-Qadr (the Night of Power), the holiest night of all. This is the night Muslims believe the Qu'ran was revealed to Muhammad. It is a time for Muslims to seek Allah's mercy, forgiveness and blessings, with prayers considered more powerful than those offered on any other night.
The sun had already set, meaning Iftar, the evening meal that breaks the fast, had begun. Around us were hundreds — if not thousands — of people. We had already circled the massive courtyard once, sharing with people as we felt led, praying for them and then offering them a Bible. However, before we left, we felt there was one more conversation we were meant to have.
I glanced to my right and saw two girls in headscarves sitting on a blanket, having a picnic. At that moment, I heard a voice in my mind: “They are seeking the real God. When they pray, they desire to know Him for who He truly is."
We prayed as we continued toward the girls and introduced ourselves. Accepting their invitation to sit, I shared why we had approached them. “When I saw you, I felt God speak to me about you both. You desire to know Him for who He really is, not just as people tell you about Him.”
“Yes!” The girl on the right exclaimed, her eyes wide. “We want to be so close to God!” Her friend seemed a bit more reserved. Maria spoke up. Turning to the girl on the left she said: "When I saw you, I had this image in my mind of a pearl. Just as a pearl begins as a simple grain of sand and transforms into something priceless, God wants to do this with you.”
The girl was speechless, her hesitation gone. “I know what you’re saying is true,” she said. “My name is Pearl!”
God had perfectly opened the door for us to share the truth of who Jesus is, and they were ready to hear it. Over the next 45 minutes, we shared food, our testimonies and the good news with the two curious girls. We had spoken to many people that night, but no one had clung to our words like they did.
“I want to ask something,” Pearl said. “I’ve always been curious about reading the Bible. Do you have one?” I reached into my bag and found that I had only two Bibles left, which I handed to them.
Before we left, we prayed for them and their families. Please join us in praying that Pearl and her friend will accept the words and teachings of Jesus, and that they, along with their families, may be saved!
*name changed