TÜRKIYE: Foreign Christians Being Forced Out

Dozens of foreign Christians have been quietly forced out of Türkiye in recent years.

After moving his family to Türkiye (formerly Turkey) in 2001, Jerry Mattix served in aid ministry and as a pastor. Last month he was told he is no longer allowed to enter the country—even for short visits.

Jerry and his wife grew up in missionary families with hearts for missions. During his first semester in Bible school, God grabbed Jerry’s heart for the Kurdish people in Türkiye, one of the largest unreached people groups in the world.

Listen to hear how Jerry and his wife started ministry together in Türkiye, and the story of Jerry’s first expulsion from the country in 2013, when he was labeled a “threat to national security.” Türkiye was founded as a secular republic, but in recent years government leaders have grown more open about favoring Islam. Jerry fought his first expulsion in court, and judges ruled in his favor, allowing him to reenter the country in 2016—but not to live there. Jerry and his family planted new roots in North Cyprus. They have seen the Lord’s hand at work despite their family’s upheaval.

Following the massive earthquake on February 6th, 2023, Jerry made repeated trips to Türkiye to partner with local pastors and lead international Christians in to serve in relief work.

Listen as Jerry explains the government’s decision to remove foreign Christians from Türkiye and hear how the local church has “grown legs” to carry forward the ministry as foreign workers are being forced out of the country. “We’re not praying for peace and prosperity, or for Christian persecution;” Jerry says, “We are praying for the kingdom of Christ to grow and thrive—whatever it takes.”

Pray for Jerry and other foreign Christians who have been kicked out of Türkiye and for believers in Türkiye to continue in the ministry God has called them to. Listen to more stories from Türkiye on VOM Radio with Joy Subasiguller, Andrew Brunson, and David Byle.

The VOM App for your smartphone or tablet will help you pray daily for persecuted Christians throughout the year, as well as giving free access to e-books, audio books, video content and feature films. Download the VOM App for your iOS or Android device today.

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00:00 - The Gospel Thrives Amid Persecution in Iran
01:47 - From Bolivia to Turkey: Jerry Mattix’s Calling
05:58 - Expelled from Turkey: A Missionary’s Journey
07:01 - Earthquake Relief and Unexpected Deportation
11:18 - The Rise of the Turkish Church Despite Opposition
17:39 - How to Pray for Persecuted Christians and Turkey
22:26 - A Spiritual Awakening: Deliverance in Turkey

[VoiceOfTheMartyrsUSA]

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[Teeteeola]

Father let Your Kingdom come in Turkey in Jesus name

[jhssavedbygrace]

Praying for the Turkish churches. Praying that more Turkish peoples will join the community of Christ.

[ev.adelemandagie]

May all Christians in Turkey be protected.

[kathydeschene]

Christians in these dangerous places are brave!!!! I'm humbled. Show us how to be so strong in faith. In Jesus name

[kytegaming-gubh]

I'm Praying for those who are persecuted for the cause of Christ! May each of their testimonies win millions to Jesus Christ!

[reneeshort]

Many are the troubles of the righteous but YESHUA will deliver you out of each trial ❤Bless The Lord O my soul 🙏

[robyn]

Thank You Jesus for such devoted missionaries. Please send us out into the harvest. These precious saints in Turkey are so courageous, and a great example to the west.

[petrusesterhuyzen]

May His Holy Spirit be with each and every believer and may those seeking see Yeshua and receive Him as Messiah

[NoTrashInHeaven]

Wow, Pastor Jerry was making inroads and taking back territory from spiritual enemies! Praying God's sustaining power for him and his family, and the Turkish Believers 🙏 ❤

[johnmclawrence]

May God help our brothers and sisters in christ around the world who suffer for the sake of the gospel.

[helenessien]

This interview is an eye opener "Souls are son through RELATIONSHIPS", reminds me of Daniel, Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego, and the Gospel Thrives in the MIDST OF CHAOS, yes we pray for peace but in the midst of All the chaos in and around the Arab World, The Gospel is Thriving and HIS CHURCH IS SOARING.
GOD bless and keep you My Brother.

[reneeshort]

BEAUTIFUL ARE THE FEET that bring the GOOD NEWS ❤. shine bright as stars 🌟 forever ✨️ ♥️

[gregattanasio]

T. X You VOM for sharing the hardships of our Brother s n sisters in CHRIST

[rastik]

Jesus bless all Christians in Turkey. Hope Turkey will have more followers of Jesus ✝️🙏

[achannelforchange]

I’m glad to hear that the Lord is working. You know you’re doing right when they don’t want you there anymore! Praying for Turkey. I speak Turkish and there are many here in America who are searching as well. America is a vast mission field ready to harvest.

[kathykaura]

Love Turkey and its people. ❤ Lived there 10 years, but not as a working Christian.

[reneeshort]

❤can't chain the WORD OF GOD JESUS MIGHTY SAVIOUR FOREVER MORE ❤. thank you for brave courageous saints ❤❤❤❤

[mercianthane]

Let's pray for us christian brothers in Türkiye.

[annatjiebotha]

Love the Unsaved. Pray for the Missionaries. Pray for all God precious children all over the world suffer under the work of the evil one. God is in Control, He is the Almighty God.