Martyrs in Turkey

This post is being penned in a sea of sorrow. Somehow, the words to express my fear and shame for the actions of men who claim murder "in the name of religion" are far from me. For the first time since the Turkish Republic was founded in 1997, Christians have become martyrs. The chilling thing to note is that this will not be the last time we hear of these gruesome tales.

Please pray for everyone involved. We have been told "They will know us by our love." Please pray that is true and that we, as Christians, will not rush to take up whip and chain against a religion that is already confused and lost in a state of rebellion to the One True God.

Father, we look for mercy where there should not be any, knowing full well that Yours is a plan well beyond understanding. We do not look for clarity, but for peace. Further, we pray for the families of the killers, that they might not take joy in the death of others, but that You, in Your Divine Light, might make them vessels for Your Holy Kingdom. Affect them, God; quicken them.

God, if You so will it, we pray that Your judgement might come down with the weight of Your Mighty Right Hand upon the oppressors of Your People. Save us, God, from the distribution of the wicked. We pray for the Christians in the region, that You might put out Your Hand of Protection and hedge them in. Spare their lives, God, in Your goodness.

To find the original story, please go here: http://www.compassdirect.org/en/display.php?page=news&lang=en&length=long&idelement=4836