turkey / middle east

Spiritual Climate

The Constitution gives religious freedom, but recent death threats and murders of Christians is evidence as to the degree that freedom is legally upheld. Very few of the 73 million Muslims have heard the Good News or have any real opportunity to know Jesus. Stories in the press and television continue to spread lies about Christians in order to perpetuate already biased and hostile attitudes.

Ground-Level Perspectives

The opening of Turkey to EU influence and its own developing role as a regional diplomatic force. Both invite increased possibilities for sharing the gospel in Turkey.
— Operation World

Give praise for the slow but steady growth of Turkish evangelical Christianity. Turkish and Kurdish believers probably numbered around 10 in 1960. This number rose to around 4,000 by 2010. While growth is not as rapid as many hoped for or expected, a sense of consolidation and maturation distinguishes the Church today.
— Operation World

More about Turkey

A Couple Raw Facts


Church Illustration

A Church amongst Turks has at last become a visible reality, but it still only constitutes 0.005% of the population.

Street Kid Illustration

Children are difficult to reach due to laws prohibiting proselytism of minors. The problem of homeless children is growing, especially in Istanbul which has over 30,000 street kids.

 

History & Future

Entered

WorldVenture History in Turkey

Worldventure first entered Turkey around the 1990s. With security concern, primary ministry focus has been strategic evangelism and discipleship. Another avenue to reach out to the Turkish people has been business as mission.

Today &
Tomorrow

Turkey Team Goals

Goals for the Turkey field are strengthening and fostering relationships with people of predominant religions. The WorldVenture team prayerfully looks to the future for expansions in not only field workers but to the openness to the Gospel in Turkey.

5 Global
Objectives

WorldVenture Global Objectives

  1. Evangelizing the Peoples of the World
    • Relationships being cultivated with non-believers
    • Decisions to follow Christ
    • Believers baptized
    • People engaged in intentional discipleship
    • Bible verses translated and Christian resources created or translated
  2. Extending Grace
    • People helped through development assistance
    • People provided with medical and health assistance
    • People helped toward justice who are in illegal, immoral, dangerous, exploited circumstances
    • People helped directly through disaster relief
  3. Establishing Churches
    • New churches established
    • Daughter churches established
  4. Equipping Leaders
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through formal contexts
    • Leaders being trained for ministry through non-formal contexts
    • TCKs (third culture kids) being equipped
    • 360º leaders being equipped
  5. Encouraging Mission Movements
    • National Christians preparing to become cross-cultural missionaries
    • National churches engaged in cross-cultural missions
    • National church groups engaged in cross-cultural missions

Living Here

 

FOOD & HOUSING


COMMUNITY


 

WEATHER & ENVIRONMENT


 

LANGUAGE & CULTURE



Local News

The following is a live news feed mirrored from an independent news service, and offers a current stream of headlines coming out of the country. WorldVenture does not control headlines, but only "mirrors" them from other websites.

turkey source:bbc - Google News
Balloon crash kills tourists in Cappadocia, Turkey - BBC News

BBC News

Balloon crash kills tourists in Cappadocia, Turkey
BBC News
Three Brazilian tourists have been killed and more than 20 other people injured after two hot-air balloons collided in Turkey, officials say. One ascending balloon was torn open as it hit the basket of another, and then plunged to the ground, witnesses ...


Monday, May 20, 2013 1:57:16 PM

Who, what, why: How do you scrap an aircraft carrier? - BBC News

BBC News

Who, what, why: How do you scrap an aircraft carrier?
BBC News
Decommissioned five years early to save the Ministry of Defence money, it will be towed to the Leyal shipyard near Izmir in Turkey after being sold as part of a £2.9m ($4.4m) deal. Once there it faces an ignoble end as 20,000 tonnes of scrap metal ...


Monday, May 20, 2013 3:24:55 AM

Ark Royal leaves Portsmouth for scrap yard - BBC News

BBC News

Ark Royal leaves Portsmouth for scrap yard
BBC News
The Royal Navy's former flagship was decommissioned early following the 2010 defence review and is being towed to Turkey for scrap. As part of a ... BBC defence correspondent Caroline Wyatt said the move was heavily criticised at the time. New carriers ...


Monday, May 20, 2013 6:47:59 AM

Business Daily - Secrets of Success - BBC News

Business Daily - Secrets of Success
BBC News
We'll be discovering how Turkey - once a basket case - has transformed itself into one of the world's fastest growing economies. Silicon Valley is renowned for being the breeding ground for many of the world's greatest technological innovators ...


Monday, May 20, 2013 6:03:03 AM

Turkey balloon crash: Amateur footage shows aftermath - BBC News

BBC News

Turkey balloon crash: Amateur footage shows aftermath
BBC News
A Brazilian tourist has died and 24 others have been injured after a hot air balloon crashed in central Turkey, according to officials. The balloon is said to have collided with the basket of another over Cappadocia's rock formations, before crashing ...


Monday, May 20, 2013 6:23:15 AM

This feed has 5 articles on 1 page

Opportunities

Opportunity TitleMinimum StayMaximum StayWorld AreaCountryOppSummaryOppResponsibilitiesOppRequirementsOppID
Vision Trip2 Weeks4 WeeksMiddle EastTurkeyThe vision trip is arranged for individuals or groups and is designed for those seriously considering a long-term overseas work among people where Islam is the predominant religion after having finished college or seminary education. The trip will expose participants to life in Turkey, various ministries among the people, and a bit of the land’s ancient history. Length of service is 2 weeks to 4 weeks.The vision trip participants are expected to read and complete pre-trip orientation materials. Throughout the trip participants will be responsible to ask questions and pursue answers pertaining to life and ministry in Turkey. The participant is responsible to cultivate a humble spirit and maintain a learning attitude. The participant is also expected to seek God’s leading for future ministry in Turkey through prayer and consultation with other believers. A completed (or almost completed) college or seminary education with the intention of applying for long-term appointment in the near future. Interest in serving in an urban, secular and gospel-resistant setting. A willingness to venture out and take risks. A servant´s attitude. Willingness to learn about people where Islam is the predominant religion and seek God’s direction for the future.1569
Church Planting Intern3 Months6 MonthsMiddle EastTurkeyThe intern will be mentored by an experienced worker and serve as part of a small team which is seeking to establish indigenous, culturally relevant churches in an area where Islam is the predominant religion. The intern will begin to learn Turkish, be immersed in the culture, and be exposed to a variety of ministries in Turkey. There will also be opportunities to explore some historical and biblical sites in this ancient land. Length of service is 3 months to 6 months.The intern will spend time engaged in language and culture learning and within this context the intern will engage in evangelism through personal contacts, web based ministries and other referrals. The church planting goal is personal encounters where individuals come to faith in Christ, are discipled and are folded into a new local church. The intern will use the internship experience to seek God’s leading for long-term overseas work among people where Islam is the predominant religion in Turkey.A completed (or almost completed) college or seminary education. Skills and experience in evangelism and small groups are beneficial. A humble spirit, learning attitude towards culture, and willingness to work with others are essential. A servant’s attitude and a desire to learn about people where Islam is the predominant religion while seeking God’s direction for the future.1571
Church Planting Apprentice1 Month3 MonthsMiddle EastTurkeyThe apprentice will be mentored by an experienced worker and interact with a small team which is seeking to establish indigenous, culturally relevant churches among a predominantely Islamic people group. The apprentice will begin to learn Turkish, be immersed in the culture, and be exposed to a variety of ministries in Turkey. There will also be opportunities to explore some historical and biblical sites in this ancient land. Length of service is 1 month to 3 months.The apprentice will be engaged in language and culture learning and within this context will engage in evangelism through personal contacts, web based ministries and other referrals. The church planting goal is personal encounters where individuals come to faith in Christ, are discipled and are folded into a new local church. The apprentice will also use the apprenticeship experiences to seek God’s leading for long-term overseas work among the people in this region.A completed (or almost completed) college or seminary education. Skills and experience in evangelism and small groups are beneficial. A humble spirit, learning attitude towards culture, and willingness to work with others are essential. A servant’s attitude and a desire to learn about people where Islam is the predominant religion while seeking God’s direction for the future.1572
Website Specialist1 Month6 MonthsMiddle EastTurkeyThe web specialist will work as part of a small team to establish indigenous, culturally relevant churches in a restricted access country where Islam is the predominant religion. The web specialist will help the field to redesign their Turkish language ministry web site in order to increase visibility, functionality and creativity of the web based outreach. Length of service is 1 month to 6 months.Creative and functional design of web sites using a Windows based system and the training of long-term personnel for the ongoing maintenance of the site. Male. Skills and knowledge in contemporary web design, function, and features. Web building experience. Ability to teach others necessary maintenance skills.1573
Church Planting Apprentice1 Month3 MonthsEuropeTurkeyThe apprentice will be mentored by an experienced worker and interact with a small team which is seeking to establish indigenous, culturally relevant churches among a predominantely Islamic people group. The apprentice will begin to learn Turkish, be immersed in the culture, and be exposed to a variety of ministries in Turkey. There will also be opportunities to explore some historical and biblical sites in this ancient land. Length of service is 1 month to 3 months.The apprentice will be engaged in language and culture learning and within this context will engage in evangelism through personal contacts, web based ministries and other referrals. The church planting goal is personal encounters where individuals come to faith in Christ, are discipled and are folded into a new local church. The apprentice will also use the apprenticeship experiences to seek God’s leading for long-term overseas work among the people in this region.A completed (or almost completed) college or seminary education. Skills and experience in evangelism and small groups are beneficial. A humble spirit, learning attitude towards culture, and willingness to work with others are essential. A servant’s attitude and a desire to learn about people where Islam is the predominant religion while seeking God’s direction for the future.1647
Church Planting Intern3 Months6 MonthsEuropeTurkeyThe intern will be mentored by an experienced worker and serve as part of a small team which is seeking to establish indigenous, culturally relevant churches in an area where Islam is the predominant religion. The intern will begin to learn Turkish, be immersed in the culture, and be exposed to a variety of ministries in Turkey. There will also be opportunities to explore some historical and biblical sites in this ancient land. Length of service is 3 months to 6 months.The intern will spend time engaged in language and culture learning and within this context the intern will engage in evangelism through personal contacts, web based ministries and other referrals. The church planting goal is personal encounters where individuals come to faith in Christ, are discipled and are folded into a new local church. The intern will use the internship experience to seek God’s leading for long-term overseas work among people where Islam is the predominant religion in Turkey.A completed (or almost completed) college or seminary education. Skills and experience in evangelism and small groups are beneficial. A humble spirit, learning attitude towards culture, and willingness to work with others are essential. A servant’s attitude and a desire to learn about people where Islam is the predominant religion while seeking God’s direction for the future.1648
Vision Trip2 Weeks4 WeeksEuropeTurkeyThe vision trip is arranged for individuals or groups and is designed for those seriously considering a long-term overseas work among people where Islam is the predominant religion after having finished college or seminary education. The trip will expose participants to life in Turkey, various ministries among the people, and a bit of the land’s ancient history. Length of service is 2 weeks to 4 weeks.The vision trip participants are expected to read and complete pre-trip orientation materials. Throughout the trip participants will be responsible to ask questions and pursue answers pertaining to life and ministry in Turkey. The participant is responsible to cultivate a humble spirit and maintain a learning attitude. The participant is also expected to seek God’s leading for future ministry in Turkey through prayer and consultation with other believers. A completed (or almost completed) college or seminary education with the intention of applying for long-term appointment in the near future. Interest in serving in an urban, secular and gospel-resistant setting. A willingness to venture out and take risks. A servant´s attitude. Willingness to learn about people where Islam is the predominant religion and seek God’s direction for the future.1650
Website Specialist1 Month6 MonthsEuropeTurkeyThe web specialist will work as part of a small team to establish indigenous, culturally relevant churches in a restricted access country where Islam is the predominant religion. The web specialist will help the field to redesign their Turkish language ministry web site in order to increase visibility, functionality and creativity of the web based outreach. Length of service is 1 month to 6 months.Creative and functional design of web sites using a Windows based system and the training of long-term personnel for the ongoing maintenance of the site. Male. Skills and knowledge in contemporary web design, function, and features. Web building experience. Ability to teach others necessary maintenance skills.1651
MK / Intn'l School Faculty and Staff2 YearsLifetimeMiddle EastTurkeyJoin a vibrant international school in providing a values based education to children of Christian workers and children of international diplomats and businessmen.Current Needs: Guidance CounselorPossess a sense of God’s leading in your profession; Seek to model Christian principles in and out of the classroom; Certified and qualified (a college diploma in a subject area may allow you to teach with out a certificate); Willing to serve for a minimum of two years; Enjoy working with and mentoring children from various cultures; Agree with the School’s mission and goals. Student teachers welcome. Some paid positions available. 1658
MK / Int'l School Faculty & Staff 2 YearsEuropeTurkeyJoin a vibrant international school in providing a values based education to children of Christian workers and children of international diplomats and businessmen.Current Needs: Guidance CounselorPossess a sense of God’s leading in your profession; Seek to model Christian principles in and out of the classroom; Certified and qualified (a college diploma in a subject area may allow you to teach with out a certificate); Willing to serve for a minimum of two years; Enjoy working with and mentoring children from various cultures; Agree with the School’s mission and goals. Student teachers welcome. Some paid positions available. 1659

We're Open to New Ideas

We have many opportunities requested by our teams, but we're open to new ideas. God has moved us into over 60 countries by bringing us people with vision, passion and calling. If you don't find an opportunity that fits, or doesn't fully fit ... let's talk. Our first priority is relationship (i.e. "Are we a good fit for each other? You and WorldVenture"). Once that is clear, we will walk with you into almost anything.

Are you interested?

Get Started

If you'd like to learn more, we'd like to make that happen. We have a simple online tool to get better acquainted. Use the button to the right. It's not an application and involves no obligation.

Projects

Missionary Team

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Become a Missionary

There are a few countries in which we can't list our entire team publicly. Bringing the Gospel to people has risks, and for some of our work we have to keep things offline.

As a person begins appointment, the make-up and ethos of the field team is discussed as we look for the right fit.

Evangelizing the Peoples of the World

With respect for people and their cultures, we communicate, by word and deed, the full scope of biblical truth and, especially, the gospel. We make disciples of Jesus Christ among all peoples through different kinds of evangelism..

Relationships Being Cultivated with Non-Believers

We seek to build and nurture authentic relationships with people who have no knowledge of Jesus Christ with whom we can share our faith. Paul asks, 'How are they to believe in the one they have not heard of?' Romans 10:14. The answer is that they can't. It is our desire for those who have never heard the gospel or never understood it to have the chance know God. Many times a true opportunity to hear the gospel requires an environment of trust and friendship first.

Scriptures: Matt 28:18-20, Rom 10:14, 1 John 4:19.

 

Decisions to Follow Christ

We recognize both the internal conversion of the heart and external profession of faith as milestones in the journey of obedience to Jesus Christ. We encourage new believers to identify themselves as Christ-followers in ways that are recognized as authentic in the local context.

Scriptures: Romans 10:10, Matthew 5:14-16, Eph. 4:20-24, Mark 16:15 .

 

Believers Baptized

Baptism is another external milestone in the journey of obedience for a new believer. We encourage new Christ-followers to further identified themselves with Jesus Christ and the local community of faith through baptism by immersion.

Scriptures: Romans 6:3-6, Galatians 3:27, Matthew 28:19-20.

 

People Engaged in Intentional Discipleship

We nurture reasonable steps taken to pursue spiritual growth and evangelism from Christians and non-Christians. This often looks like greater depth in comprehending biblical truths and expressing their growing faith in ways meaningfully in their own culture.

Scriptures: Hebrews 10: 24-25, Eph. 4:11-17, Matthew 28: 18-20.

 

Bible Verses Translated and Christian Resources Created or Translated

We actively invest time and talent into Bible translation and creation of Christian media knowing that these investments will expand and deepen the influence of the gospel in a culture.

Scriptures: Acts 2:8-11, Philippians 2:9-11, Acts 13:47-49, Acts 8:26-39.

Extending Grace

Following the example of Jesus, we address human suffering and practical needs everywhere we share the gospel, whether it be through individual acts of mercy or community-wide programs.

Helping People through Development Assistance

Lasting community development is only achieved by insiders. Meaning, we assisted people in their own development efforts in the areas of acquiring sustainable food, water, shelter, literacy, vocational training, education, and employment. Our explicit goal is empowerment, dignity, and community ownership.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 10:18, 1 Samuel 2:8, Psalm 145:15-16, Luke 12:33.

 

People Provided with Medical & Health Assistance

The grace and blessing of medical care where there is no other access to medical help is one of the longest standing outreaches of WorldVenture. Our hospitals and rural clinics dot some of the most difficult locations in the world.

Scriptures: Jeremiah 33:6, Isaiah 40:29, Matt 19:2.

 

Justice for those in Illegal, Immoral, & Dangerous Circumstances

We seek out those who have become vulnerable and fallen to the advantage of other people. We advocate for them within available legal systems, or we build exits and avenues for them to leave their circumstances.

Scriptures: Isaiah 43:2, Psalm 72:4, Isaiah 51:4-5, Ezekiel 34:15-16, Psalm 82:3-4.

 

Helping People Directly through Disaster Relief

In large scale disasters which are within locations we have workers and churches, we bring help directly to the people effected by the disaster. Our networks are often the most established in the communities to the point that larger relief organizations will defer to us on the ground. Yet our strategies always extend past the immediate response to include some form of rebuilding and restoration.

Scriptures: 1 Cor 16:1-4, Psalm 145:15-16, Philippians 4:19.

 

Establishing Churches

Building his church is central to Jesus’ purposes. We strive to establish healthy local churches that will establish other churches, resulting in church planting movements.

New Churches Established

Recognizing that church planting is typically more of a process rather than a one-time event, we speak of a church as being "established" when the local church and its local sister churches recognize it as such. We value real growth of the church, and use milestones like this to give us benchmarks to celebrate.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Romans 15:20-21, Matthew 18:20, 1 Timothy 4:13, Acts 16:4-5.

 

Daughter Churches Established

 Another milestone we encourage as a mark of a maturing church is the multiplication of daughter churches. More than anything this is a sign of the outward growth and maturity of the faith community.

Scriptures: Matthew 28:18-20, Acts 16:4-5, Romans 15:20-21, Ephesians 2:19-22.

 

Equipping Leaders

We develop leaders who are able to lead others in contextualizing and maximizing their Kingdom impact – locally, regionally, and around the world.

Leaders Being Trained for Ministry through Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

Our workers staff numberous formal seminaries and bible schools as teachers or administrators. We know that people being equipped in and for ministry through formal degree/diploma granting institutions is an investment in the future health and vitality of the church.

Scriptures: Proverbs 2:10-11, Luke 2:45-47, Proverbs 1:1-7.

 

Leaders being Trained for Ministry through Non-Formal Contexts

Leadership Development

In addition to formal academic training, we encourage leadership development through non-formal ministry training seminars, courses, and programs. These programs are equally as powerful for deepening and establishing churches through informed and mature lay leaders.

Scriptures: Psalm 32:8, Psalm 119:105, John 10:3-4.

 

TCKs (Third Culture Kids) being Equipped

Experience has taught us that some of the most natural and effective future missionaries come from the children of our current missionaries. Not only does the investment in these children make it possible for their parents to work in remote locations, most of the international schools in which we partner encourage the personal ministry and impact these children can have while on the field.

Scriptures: Deuteronomy 4:9, Matthew 18:2-5, 1 Timothy 4:12.

 

"360º Leaders" being Equipped

Our 360° vision for impacting societies recognizes that there are a handful of key roads to impacting in any given city or provence or people group. For example, business and media are key influencers in a society, but often fall outside designated leadership tracks like pastors and teachers. We encourage the development of Christian leaders who will influence society through business, politics, medicine, media, social justice, and family and community development.

Scriptures: John 17:15-19, Colossians 3:23-24, 1 Corinthians 14:12, Romans 12:6-8, Matthew 25:23.

 

Encouraging Mission Movements

We will encourage individuals, churches, and church movements everywhere to connect with each other and other organizations, creating international relationships for networking, collaborating, and partnering to do missions “from everywhere to everywhere.”

National Christians Preparing to Become Missionaries

We encourage the natural progression of a maturing national church by advocating for the training and development of national Christians to become missionaries. Crossing-cultures is always difficult, even for those who are born and raised in multi-lingual, multi-cultural environments, and preparation can be a key element in the succeess of a national missionary.

Scriptures: Psalm 144:1, Galations 3:28, Psalm 32:8, Isaiah 61:1.

 

National Churches Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

In addition to individuals going out as missionaries, we encourage national churches to engage in missions.

Scriptures: Romans 10:15, John 15:1-27, Matthew 9:35-38.

 

National Church Groups Engaged in Cross-Cultural Missions

From the individual to the church and then finally to the multi-church association, we encourage many national church groups and church associations to engaged in missions. We seek a culture of outward movement and self-sacrifice as a healthy part of a national church.

Scriptures: 2 Corinthians 8:1-7, 2 Corinthians 9:10-12, Romans 10:15.

 

GLOBAL OBJECTIVES

COUNTRY SEARCH



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