Christians in Turkey request prayer for Mike Platt, an international pastor in Istanbul, as well as other foreign Christians who have been banned from Turkey.

Mike has lived in Turkey for twenty-one years and volunteers as a pastor of Kadikoy International Church (KUT), Istanbul. On 2 April, as he was leaving the country for a short trip, Mike was informed at passport control that there was an entry ban against him (G82) and he would be refused re-entry into Turkey. On 8 May the entry ban was confirmed when Mike attempted to re-enter Turkey and was stopped at passport control. He was held at the airport and deported the next morning. No reason was given for the entry ban.

The entry ban against Mike follows similar bans issued against other foreign Christian residents in recent months. On 24 February, another volunteer with Kadikoy International Church was denied entry, despite assurances from immigration police to him and his lawyer that he would be readmitted to the country. No reason for the ban was given.

On 7 February, David and Pamela Wilson, who served with the Holy Bible Information Association – a legal entity which informs and instructs Turkish citizens about the Bible – were denied entry and detained at the airport, before being deported.

Christians in Turkey request prayer that:
a.   Mike and his family will know the Lord’s comfort and peace during this stressful time
b.  They and others with entry bans will know the Lord’s wisdom and leading
c.   The KUT church will also know God’s presence and guidance
d.   Those with entry bans will be able to successfully contest the decisions and that any policy targeting the residency of church volunteers on account of their Christian service will be clearly exposed and hindered