The ancestors of the Turks founded the powerful Ottoman Empire which lasted from the 14th through the early 20th century. This 600-year empire began with raids by Turkish warriors and ended with the defeat of the Axis powers at the end of WWI. It was the last Muslim empire. Turks are proud of their history.
In general, the Turkish Diaspora is small in Latin American countries like Brazil. The number of Turks living in Brazil is very low. Most of them are involved in business positions associated with trade. They feel welcome in Brazil. Brazilians are warmly receptive to them. Religious tolerance allows the Turks to practice their Sunni Islamic faith without interference.
The Turks are nominally Sunni Muslim, believing in one god (Allah), and an eternal heaven and hell. "Sunni," is derived from the Islamic term, sunnah, which means "well-trodden path." It is believed that the correct path is that of the majority. Therefore, the tradition of the Sunni is political conformism, though the Turks have been more flexible than many of their Muslim neighbors. Others are more secular in their beliefs, though they visit the mosque for special events. Many also hold to pre-Islamic beliefs as well. For example, some believe that men have the power to curse others by giving them the "evil eye."
Although the Turks have Christian resources (both the Bible and the JESUS Film have been translated into Turkish) available to them in their language, they remain strongly Muslim. Prayer alone has the power to break through the strongholds of Islam. Intercessors are needed to daily stand in the gap and pray for the salvation of these precious people.
Pray for the fervent Brazilian believers to reach out in faith and love to the Muslim Turks among them. Pray for a spiritual hunger among Turks that will be satisfied by none other than the Savior, Jesus Christ. Pray for a Disciple Making Movement among Turks to spread far and wide throughout Latin America.
Scripture Prayers for the Turk in Brazil.
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
