Alawite in Turkey

Alawite in Turkey

pronounced: AH-lah-white

The Assad family is Alawite, and they have ruled Syria for decades. With various Sunni Muslim forces fighting against them, about one-third of Alawite young men have been killed. Many Alawites have fled to neighboring Turkey for refuge.

Ministry Obstacles

Spiritual matters are kept rather secret for the Alawites. These people are suspicious of outsiders.

Outreach Ideas

Believers can reach out to Alawite refugees in Turkey through food distribution, medical care, sports for the kids, and informal Bible studies. They can do plays and skits that will tell of the life and purpose of Jesus.

Scripture Focus

"Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world."  James 4:8

Scripture Prayer

Pray that God draws this people group to Himself. Pray that their hearts are purified and become completely devoted to Him.

Prayer Focus

A tiny fraction of the Alawites in Turkey may be believers. Pray they will find other believers and that they will persevere in the faith. Pray they will have access to Bibles and correct teaching. * Pray that the Alawites will understand that the only way to know God is through Jesus Christ. * Pray for a strong Holy Spirit revival among the Christians in Syria and Lebanon that will thrust forth hundreds of evangelists to the Alawites and Muslims in their midst. * Pray for a movement to Christ among Alawites in Turkey and Syria.