Impact Middle East has 3 teams in Jordan that reach underserved communities, showing the compassion of Christ to refugees and locals alike. Local churches in proclaim that Jesus is the Savior of the world and make discples. Community centers and sports programs create places of belonging and bring physical and spiritual healing to those wounded by war. Across teams, visitation and hospitality, discipleship of young people, and bible studies are ongoing. IME teams embody a living witness of the gospel—one that speaks hope in a land where faith often comes at great cost.

Understanding the Context of Turkey

General Country Information

Modern-day Turkey stands as a bridge between continents and civilizations—where Europe meets Asia and where layers of history intertwine with faith and culture. Once home to some of the earliest Christian communities, Turkey today is a diverse nation shaped by centuries of empire, trade, and tradition. Though the majority of its population identifies as Muslim, its landscape still bears the marks of its profound biblical and historical heritage. Amidst rapid modernization and political change, Turkey continues to be a land of contrasts—where ancient ruins whisper the stories of prophets, apostles, and early believers who helped shape the foundations of Christianity.

Spiritual Context

Within this ancient land, God continues to move in remarkable ways. Impact Middle East (IME) partners with Afghan and Iranian believers living in Turkey who are leading discipleship and evangelistic efforts among refugee communities. Through social media ministry, church-planting, and leadership training, these believers are spreading the hope of Jesus in a region that once hosted the early church. Many refugees, having fled war and persecution, are encountering Christ for the first time—like Mustafa, who experienced miraculous healing after a dream of Jesus, or Rozana, who found faith and physical restoration after hearing His words, “Do not be afraid.” These stories remind us that even in displacement, the gospel continues to transform lives and communities with grace and power.

Biblical Heritage

Turkey is often called the “Bible’s other Holy Land,” containing some of Christianity’s most treasured sites. The Seven Churches of Revelation anchor the region’s spiritual map, revealing early lessons of faith, endurance, and repentance. In Ephesus, Paul’s preaching once stirred an entire city; in Antioch (Antakya), followers of Jesus were first called “Christians.” Tarsus, the birthplace of Paul, still stands as a reminder of missionary zeal, while Cappadocia’s cave churches and Mount Ararat—traditionally viewed as Noah’s resting place—bear silent witness to faith’s endurance through the ages. From Abraham’s journey through Haran to Paul’s travels across Asia Minor, Turkey’s soil tells the continuing story of God’s redemptive work—past, present, and yet to come.

Learn More about Turkey

*Featured image by Saad Salim on Unsplash