I met Ahmet* on a recent trip to Türkiye. He grew up in a “super radical Muslim” family in the East, under the watchful eye of his devout grandfather. When Ahmet was a boy, a Christian family moved into his neighborhood. They were blamed for misfortunes and avoided by everyone, but their son became Ahmet’s friend.
As teenagers, the boy invited Ahmet to church. Ahmet agreed, but only if his friend would visit the mosque too. He figured if Christians could evangelize, so could he. That summer, his friend invited him to a church family camp. Ahmet agreed on one condition: “I’ll come, but don’t make me worship.”
At camp, Ahmet was surrounded by Christians — laughing, playing games, singing with loud guitars and drums. “These Christians are crazy!” he thought. But something stirred inside him. “My soul wanted to worship, but my brain said to sit down.” He finally gave in and, for the first time, worshiped and felt God’s presence.
Months later, after many late-night talks with believers, Ahmet surrendered his life to Christ. The following summer, at 18, he was baptized at camp. When he told his mother, she wept. By morning, his extended family gathered, demanding he undo his baptism or be disowned. Ahmet chose Christ — and lost his family for two years.
Ahmet’s story isn’t unique. Many Turkish believers must choose between Jesus and their families. Yet in losing one family, they find another — the Church, united by the love of Christ.
For most of us, following Jesus comes at little cost. But for Ahmet and others like him, following Jesus means sacrifice — and the deep joy of belonging to God’s true family.
*Name changed for security concerns.
Reflection Questions:
(1) What does Ahmet’s story reveal about the cost and beauty of following Jesus?
(2) How can you support or pray for believers who risk everything to follow Christ?
Anna N.
Outreach Team