We have received a forward from our Brother and Sister-in-Law, direct from first hand witnesses of the funeral of Chris' friend Necati, who was tortured and martyred for his faith in the Lord Jesus Christ in Turkey.  This is a beautiful, moving and very uplifting testimony that I wanted to share with you today.  Pray for a revival among the Muslims that witnessed this funeral on national television that is the only long term answer to permanently ending this "War on Terror." 

"Below is part of a letter written by friends that were able to attend one of the funerals…. Last Saturday, approximately 500 believers (national and foreign) gathered in a demonstration of solidarity, to honor the lives of these colleagues. Despite the heavy police and media coverage in a country that is 99.9% Muslim, each of us had determined that is was worth the risk and exposure, to stand together for our Lord.  After all, it seemed a small sacrifice, compared to the loss experienced by the wives, children and fiancé of the deceased. What we witnessed has changed our lives! As the body was carried into the courtyard, high upon the shoulders of our Turkish brothers, spontaneous applause burst forth! I leaned over to my national friend and queried, “Is this normal for funerals, in your culture?” “No,” he asserted, “it’s because he’s a martyr!” As the casket continued its journey toward the front, beautiful worship music erupted—somewhat reminiscent of a Gregorian chant. Then everyone joined together in the singing of praise songs in the native tongue.  However, what followed nearly took our breath away!  Approximately ten National leaders proclaimed openly the Gospel in front of television cameras, newspaper reporters, police officials and several other important officials.  Fearlessly, yet with gentle strength each shared his faith in Christ, and His forgiveness of those who had committed the heinous murders! Additionally, they shared that Christ had won the Victory, and at this very hour the martyrs were standing before the very throne of God! Several mentioned that the lives of these men were perhaps the seeds that must be planted in order for a harvest to come forth.  One pastor passionately exclaimed, “We will spread this message, God’s Word, because we are children of the Word! You may kill us all, but we will spread this message, because we love you and because Jesus loves you! We forgive the attackers, because we too, have been forgiven.”   Powerful applause, “Amens” and “Hallelujahs” erupted from among the scores of nationalities represented there!  It was awesome! However, what happened next…..can only be explained by the supernatural love and strength that God alone can give. Spontaneously, in an unplanned moment– Necati’s wife asked if she could speak. “Amid her tears she spoke of her forgiveness of the very men who had tortured and killed her husband, and the father of her children! In an emotion filled voice, she asserted: “I know my Necati was praying for them, even while he was being tortured.” She also spoke of the wonderful love they shared as a family and their joy in serving the Lord together. Lastly, she stated “I loved my husband very, very much—but, I love my Jesus even more.  And that is how I can face tomorrow.”   Again thunderous applause burst forth!  We were spell bound!In the closing moments of this incredible service, one of the pastors shouted “Afferin Necati!!! Afferin Tilman!!! Afferin Ugur!!!—Which translated means— “Well done Necati!!  Well done Tilman!! Well done Ugur!!  As we looked up, we noticed that the media stood utterly dumbfounded!  We were quite certain they had never witnessed anything like this before. Yet, as believers we knew we had been in the very presence of the Lord.

While we are rejoicing at the bold testimonies surrounding these deaths there remains much persecution for the believers here. We have been told of one young man that has been bold in sharing the gospel that is facing a lot of persecution. He is currently fulfilling his 2 year military duty and was recently told by his superior that what happened to those men would happen to him next and that if someone decided to do it here (within the military) no one would be accused or punished for it.  The military here is strongly secular. Please pray for this man as he continues to stand strong for Christ amidst scoffers."

The major difference in martyrs in the Christian faith and the Muslim faith is two fold.  A Muslim martyr is anxious to die "for his or her faith" because it is the only way to guarantee a spot in heaven.  A Christian who is martyred believes that he or she is already going to heaven not because he is good enough but because Christ made a way.  The Christian wants to bring as many people with him as is possible. 

The most simple and powerful difference is… a Christian martytr gives his/her life willingly FOR the unbeliever.  Even to the point of living among them and doing good towards them whether or not they ever believe, because God (and he or she) LOVES the unbeliever.  A Muslim martyr gives his/her life to take the lives of the unbelieving because Allah HATES them.  Is there any way that Allah and God could be the same God? 

Audrey Jeanne Roberts