January 2023 Persecution Magazine

HOTSPOT: TURKEY
The Great Escape
A FAMILY LEAVES EVERYTHING BEHIND TO
FREELY FOLLOW CHRIST
Leyla is a loving mother and wife in her forties,
married to her faithful husband, Murat. A
beautiful family who loves the Lord and lives
in scenic Turkey. One wouldn’t suspect that
Leyla grew up in a radical Islamic family. When Leyla
met Murat, he became a catalyst for her Christian
journey and led her to accept Christ and become a
believer. But because of her unaccepting family, she
needed to hide her faith.
When they found out, it marked the beginning of a
trying time.
“My family has a point of view that sees anyone who
doesn’t think like them as infidels. If it is learned by
our big family that we are Christians, they can easily
reach us...even if we change the city we live in. And
in such a case, our safety is in serious danger,” Leyla
said.
During a visit from out of town, Leyla’s Muslim father
confronted his daughter and discovered their
faith in Christ. Without giving Leyla a choice, took
her and her children hostage.
“You are never allowed to see Murat again,” he said.
“You must divorce him. Or else.”
While the couple was separated, they said it felt like
their souls were wounded living with the fear, pressure,
and uncertainty of the situation.
“I was so scared that I couldn’t say anything. I was
just praying to the Lord to help us overcome these
problems. I spent three weeks like a nightmare at
my father’s house,” Leyla recalled.
Murat made the decision to speak to his father-inlaw,
but this frightened Leyla because of the radical
Islamic beliefs that she knew could drive her father
to kill her husband. This is all because he chose to
20 Persecution | JANUARY 2023
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