Prayers for Turkey:

People were bringing even infants to him that he might touch them; and when the disciples saw it, they sternly ordered them not to do it. But Jesus called for them and said, 'Let the little children come to me, and do not stop them; for it is to such as these that the kingdom of God belongs. Truly I tell you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God as a little child will never enter it.' Luke 18.15-17

April 23rd in Turkey is a day set aside to celebrate children.  Children are invited from all over the world to participate in these celebrations. Many come in their cultural costumes and perform in folk dance festivals. The time is one of great joy. It is a festival that focuses the heart on playfulness and on life. Children are our hope for the future yet in many parts of all societies of the world, they are the brunt of abuse and hardship. Today let us pray for the street children, the children of refugees and the children who are used by adults for evil purposes.

Dear Creator God, we pray for the children who are forced to see the dark side of humanity way too early in life. We pray for those children who do not know the meaning of security and do not know what tomorrow will bring.  We pray for the rescue of children from the evil intentions of the adults around them. May children in difficult situations be guided by a loving hand to the path of wisdom and hope. Amen

(Prayer by Alison Stendahl)

Global Ministries International Partners in Turkey:

• Istanbul Interparish Migrant Program: Predecessors of the current Common Global Ministries Board personnel in Istanbul organized local parishes to serve the influx of refugees to that city during the First Gulf War in 1991. Hearing the continuing call to minister to the needs of economic migrants, asylum seekers, and refugees stranded in Turkey – they number close to 100,000 today – the parishes over the years have sustained and further developed this ecumenical program of Christian mission. The focus is on the most marginalized group of migrants, namely women with children. Services include food, clothing, health care, counseling, voluntary repatriation, and emergency shelter subsidies. IIMP is a critical presence in the lives of those they help. Its work overlaps with NGOs that advocate for the rights of migrants, refugees, and asylum seekers. CGMB personnel are officers on the IIMP Board.

• Health and Education Foundation (SEV): SEV, a Turkish secular philanthropy, began in 1968 to protect and renew the educational and medical institutions of the American Board, which represents the founder of these institutions more than a century ago. SEV consists of volunteers who are the graduates of the American Board schools. There are three high schools in Turkey (Tarsus, Istanbul, Izmir), a hospital (Gaziantep American Hospital) and a printing press (SEV-YAY), founded by the American Board but now managed by SEV, which has full responsibility and authority for them. The institutions exemplify the positive possibilities for bridging cultural divides and building trustful relationships that are needed in today's pluralistic world. CGMB follows with hope and interest the progress of these historical institutions through its office in Turkey, the American Board.

Global Ministries Personnel in Turkey:

Ken & Betty Frank serve with the American Board in Istanbul, Turkey.  They share the job of General Secretary of the American Board.  They also serve on the board of the Istanbul Interparish Migrant Program (IIMP).

Alison Stendahl serves as Academic Dean of and a math teacher at Uskudar American Academy in Istanbul, Turkey.

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