What few people know, however, is that an even darker force is at work behind the scenes, in a nation that has historically been known as one of America’s greatest Middle Eastern allies. 
Something sinister is going on in Turkey…and its menacing shadow is reaching across the continents to directly affect the United States. 

A Dangerous Coup 

Disturbing reports over the past several years have revealed that Tayyip Erdogan, Turkey’s Islamic Prime Minister, is a strong follower of Fethullah Gulen, an Islamic imam.  While outwardly appearing to be a tolerant Muslim, Gulen himself, however, is a believer in the Islamist Nur movement, which calls for Islamic domination worldwide. 

A self-proclaimed prophet, Gulen has even delivered sermons calling for Turkey — and the world — to become Islamic states and to implement sharia law throughout the globe.  Gulen’s fundamental belief system also includes the notions that Muslims are permitted to lie to “infidels” and that total secrecy is acceptable. 

In accordance with those tenets, Erdogan and his ruling party, the AKP, has effectively managed to conceal an agenda of advancing Islamic rule, which has been in place since Erdogan was elected Prime Minister in 2003. 

In July 2011, four of Turkey’s top military commanders — secularists who opposed Turkey becoming an Islamic state — all resigned from their posts, having reportedly been coerced into resignation by the AKP.  The AKP has also reportedly been responsible for plots to discredit more than 400 people, including 58 journalists and 250 military personnel, who have attempted to make the truth known about its intentions. 

In an attempt to further control Turkey’s media, Gulen and the AKP have acquired nine of the country’s leading newspapers, and television and radio stations.  Gulenists have also taken over the Turkish police force. 

Now, in what has become known as “the Gulenist plot,” plans have been underway to transition Turkey away from being a pro-American, pro-Israel nation, and instead forming ties with Russia, Iran, Hamas, Hazbollah, and Syria. 
 

Gulen and the United States

To escape growing suspicion in Turkey about his true intentions, Gulen moved to the United States in 1998.  He now resides in Pennsylvania, where he oversees an international network that controls more than 75 percent of the schools and universities in Turkey, as well as hundreds of schools in countries around the world — including the United States.  In Gulenist schools, where many teachers and administrators are imams, children are often taught with an indoctrinating “spin” of Islamic superiority.
 
But Gulen’s worldwide influence from his Pennsylvania residence is not America’s only concern.  As a perceived U.S. ally with the second-largest army in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), Turkey’s metamorphosis into an Islamic state could mean a dangerous future for the United States. 
 

A Call for Prayer

 
While not yet publicly known, Turkey has become one more country that has fallen to radical Islam.  CFI is encouraging all Christians to pray regularly for this dangerous situation: 

• Pray that the intents of those who seek harm to others will be revealed.  Left unchecked, the Gulenist plot will destroy millions of innocent lives in the United States and around the world.  Pray that the plans of those who are secretly plotting Islamic domination would fail, and that light would be shed onto this evil darkness.
 
• Pray for the persecuted church in Turkey.  As radical Islam continues to spread, Christians will undoubtedly become the targets of more intense harassment and persecution.  Pray for the safety of Turkish believers, and pray that the Gospel would spread throughout the nation. 
 
• Pray that the lifesaving message of Jesus Christ would change the hearts and lives of countless Muslims in Turkey.
 
 
For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. 
Ephesians 6:12

Christian billionaire Naguib Sawiris, an influential businessman and founder of the Free Egyptians Party, tops the growing list of perpetrators who have been charged with defamation of Islam in recent weeks. Sawiris was charged with the crime after making an offensive post to his Twitter account, which contained a picture of Mickey and Minnie Mouse dressed in Islamic garb and the caption “Mickey and Minnie after.” Sawiris’ case, which was initially heard in a misdemeanor court in Cairo on January 14, has been adjourned until February 11.

Seventeen-year-old Gamal Masood and 23-year-old Ayman Youssef Mansour, two Christian youth, were also charged with blasphemy after controversial posts were seen on their Facebook accounts. Despite Masood’s denial of the charge, local Muslims spent days in violent protests of the alleged act and subsequently burned down the boy’s home. Masood has been detained until his February 7 trial; Mansour is already serving a three-year prison term.

Egyptian law defines contempt of religion as exploitation “in order to promote extremist ideologies by word of mouth, in writing or in any other manner, with a view to stirring up sedition, disparaging or holding in contempt any divine religion or its adherents, or endangering national unity,” and that violators “shall be punished with imprisonment for between six months and five years or a fine of at least 500 Egyptian pounds.” But despite the consistent defamation of Christianity by prominent Muslims — which has included calling Christians “infidels” and “criminals” and the Bible as “fake” and “Greek mythology” — complaints filed by Christians against Muslims for these offenses in accordance with the contempt of religion law have come to no avail.

“Copts have received a barrage of insults to their faith and their symbols and have had churches torched and destroyed, and no one has done anything about it. The law of contempt of religion is applied solely to punish the Copts,” says Dr. Naguib Gobrail, president of the Egyptian Union of Human Rights Organizations.

CFI encourages everyone to pray for political stability and justice in Egypt, and that Egyptian Christians would be granted equal and fair rights.

The decision came in the aftermath of a recent bombing that occurred at an Arabic school, located in the country’s primarily Christian south — an attack that has left many Christians in the area fearing retaliation. The incident came on the heels of a series of Christmas Day attacks on a Catholic church, an evangelical church, and three police stations, where, according to the region’s Catholic bishops, more than 200 people, mostly Catholics, were killed.

Although no one has yet to claim responsibility for the school attack, Boko Haram, a radical Islamist group, has already claimed responsibility for the Christmas Day attacks. The organization also reportedly warned all Christians in Nigeria’s primarily Muslim north that new attacks would occur if they did not evacuate the area.

While Catholic bishops have appealed to Islamic leaders to help end the violence, other Christian leaders have encouraged their congregations to defend themselves, their property, and their places of worship “any way they can.” Many believe that, because Nigerian officials have failed to curb the violence and adequately protect the country’s Christian population, they have been left with little choice but to respond with retaliation if necessary.

According to the World Watch List published by Open Doors USA, Nigeria and Sudan have experienced the most dramatic rise in Christian persecution than the 48 other countries on the list.

“Prices of Warm Clothes Shoot Up Due to Cold Wave”

“Cold Claims 8 in Northern Region”

These headlines are not from any newspaper in the United States…they have come from Bangladesh, and they are describing the latest crisis that will affect most of your Christian brothers and sisters there.

CFI’s co-worker in Bangladesh has recently informed us that the country’s weather forecast could potentially spell disaster for many, many people. For the past few weeks, a mid-level cold wave has swept throughout the country, causing great suffering for thousands of residents, particularly children and the elderly. Numerous deaths, including newborn infants, have already been reported, and many other children are being treated in hospitals for various cold-related illnesses. But another, high-level cold wave is forecasted to pass through the country in mid-January, and many fear that the number of deaths will continue to grow as a result.

The poor — who often lack the critical resources of warm blankets, clothing, and the opportunity to work — are most affected by Bangladesh’s cold waves. CFI’s co-worker has reported that many indigenous pastors and evangelists have requested blankets, especially for their Sunday School children who barely have enough clothing to wear, let alone a warm blanket.

As always, we know that we can look to you, our dear friends, to help us support our Christian family in Bangladesh and see them through this challenging cold season. For a small donation of just $5, will you provide this lifesaving gift of a warm blanket — or two, or three — for those who truly need it right now…today? Whatever you are able to provide, it will be rushed into Bangladesh so blankets can be distributed among our needy brethren as quickly as possible.

Thank you for your loving concern and generosity, and please…remember to pray for those suffering in the cold in Bangladesh.

Sincerely in Christ,
Jim Jacobson
President

We continue to support hundreds of needy Christians in these nearby countries, and I have been able to more personally coordinate relief aid, visit medical clinics, and oversee orphanages, Bible distribution, educational development, and the training of young Pastors and teachers for the mission field.

Unfortunately, in many places the Church is suffering like it never has before, and the need for CFI’s ministry is at an all-time high. The so-called Arab Spring has resulted in increased persecution for minority Christian populations, whether in Pakistan, Egypt, Yemen, Iraq, or Afghanistan.

The news is full of “popular uprisings” to overthrow dictators who have ruled with an iron fist for decades. However, the alternative is not democracy with freedom of speech, religion, or assembly. Rather, radical Islamic Sharia law is now being imposed from Libya to Turkey to Egypt.

Burma, on the other hand, seems to be loosening its determination to purge Christianity from within its borders. We are guardedly optimistic that there may be a crack in the door for the Gospel to be proclaimed among the traditionally Christian population in Karen State, Karenni State and beyond.

The proclamation of the Gospel is the most important part of CFI’s ministry. I want to be sure that our programs are being run as efficiently as possible, and that our donor’s hardearned funds are being used in a prudent and Biblical manner. In September, five CFI Board members came to Thailand, and together we visited the Karenni Bible School in Mae Hong Son and saw first hand the changed lives of students who are dedicated to studying the Scriptures in preparation for the ministry. They know that their lives may well be in jeopardy when they return to their homeland in Burma and yet they are determined to preach the “Good News” to the “ends of the earth.”

I am pleased to share with you the 2011 Annual Report, which documents the many events and activities that CFI has undertaken this year in our continuing mission to assist the Persecuted Church around the world. Because of the cost of sending you a “hard copy” of our Annual Report this year, I decided to post it on our website
in pdf format. You may read it online, print it for your records, or share it with others. Here is the link to the annual report: http://www.christianfreedom.org/2011annualreport/.

We are also looking forward to future projects, all of which we will share with you as they are more fully developed. Nothing, however, would be possible without the prayers, encouragement, and financial support of hundreds of faithful donors like you throughout the United States and Canada, and for that I say thank you!

You truly do make a difference for our suffering brothers and sisters in Christ around the world.I pray that you and your loved ones will enjoy a healthy, and happy New Year!

Sincerely in Christ,
Jim Jacobson,
President

P.S. 2011 has been a particularly challenging year for all non-profit organizations, while the needs seems to be increasing exponentially in the “Arab Spring” countries where CFI has projects. The national news media is focused on what seems to be a “popular uprising” leading to “freedom” and yet the minority Christian population is being
systematically crushed.

Please prayerfully consider how you can help these persecuted brothers and sisters. Thank you in advance

Change may be in the wind for Burma, but there is a long way to go.

Recently Burma loosened restrictions on dozens of business and crime publications, local media reported yesterday, but kept news titles in the grip of strict censorship rules. A total of 54 journals, magazines and books will no longer have to submit their content to censors before publication, according to a report in the Burma Times.

News media will continue to be subject to prepublication censorship seen as among the most restrictive in the world.

So far, there is no easing of restrictions on Christians to openly practice their faith or propagate Christian materials.

Continue to pray for Burma.

Please Help Christians Living In Burma Today!

Many Christians reportedly voted for the Egyptian Bloc, a coalition of three left-wing, secular parties sponsored by Naguib Sawiris, a Christian entrepreneur and one of the richest men in Egypt. Amid long election lines, elderly Christians waited in folding chairs along with younger Christians who took time off from work to cast their vote. All were motivated by a deep-rooted fear that the election will be the gateway for Islamic extremists to officially step into power.

At the top of the list of Islamic parties most likely to win the election is the Muslim Brotherhood, the most prominent and organized political group in Egypt. But Christians are even more concerned about the Salafis, an ultraconservative Muslim group that has accused Christians of attempting to take over “Islamic” Egypt, and is predicted to win second place to the Brotherhood in the elections.

Christian persecution has been steadily on the rise in Egypt since former president Hosni Mubarak, whose regime provided marginal protection for the country’s minority Christian population, was removed from office in early 2011. As religious freedom becomes increasingly marginalized, many Egyptian Christians, who comprise about 10 percent of the general population, believe it is imperative that they stand up for themselves in their own country.
But as they await the election results and continue to fear the future, other Christians talk of leaving Egypt altogether. Since the onset of the Arab Spring — a general rise in Islamic power throughout Middle Eastern and African nations — more than 95,000 Christians have already fled Egypt to seek refuge in other countries.

To learn more about the Arab Spring and rising Christian persecution, visit www.christianfreedom.org/the-christian-winter.

This is the story of one Christian protester in Egypt…

Where do you reside?

Cairo , Egypt.

To what church do you belong?

I belong to the Church of Saint George in Shubra, Cairo.

How long have you been a Christian?

I have been a Christian for 25 years.

How are local Christians treated in your community? Describe any recent incidents of attacks or discrimination before the protest.

Christians are treated as second class citizens, denied political representation and discriminated against and not chosen for employment.
Christians are extremely persecuted in Egypt. After president Hosni Mubarak stepped down, attacks have increased against churchs and Christian communities without repercussion.

Coptic Christians have been frustrated with repeated attacks and lack of justice and with the intolerance and poor treatment .

The recent attack before the protest was The burning and demolishing The Church of saint George in Aswan .

Have you ever personally been afraid for your safety or the safety of your family? Have you ever felt in danger for your life because of Muslim hostility?

The is no safety for any Christian nowadays. We are feeling danger allways.


What was the purpose of the protest? Where was the protest held?

The purpose of the protest was because Muslim citizens attacked a Coptic church IN Aswan on September 30.
The protest was held in the front of the international Television and Radio building (Maspero) as a way of informing the world of the injustice happening to Christians in Egypt. If the Christians did not do this it would all just be “swept under the rug”.

At what point did the protest become violent? When did security forces arrive on the scene and begin attacking the protesters?

We marched from Cairo’s Shubra neighborhood to Maspero building it was at that point we were met by military police . Police fired shots into the air and subsequently started shooting into the crowds, people paniced, then an irate driver drove a military vehicle into the protesters.

Describe what you witnessed during the attacks. Did you personally see anyone harmed or killed that day?

The situation was so bad that day. The military attacked the protesters in violently way by their guns and vehicles.
I saw more of protesters were injured and killed.

How long did the attack last?

The attack lasted from 6:00 pm to 9:30 pm

What was the reaction of the Christian demonstrators?

The Christian demonstrators were very angry and were crying. They spent the next several days in mourning.

Has the local government done anything to punish the security forces responsible for the attacks in the protest?

The local government didn’t do any thing.

How has the attack changed your local Christian community? Is there a sense of fear among Christians or anger (or both)?

The attack has left a sence of fear and anger among Christians here.

What do you see for the future of the church in Egypt?

I see Islam taking over Egypt and implimenting Sharia’ law. Continued persecution losing many Christian lives as a result.

According the commissions official website, the hearing would would go over the following:

“On Sunday October 9, 2011, 25 people were killed and more than 300 injured when the Egyptian military attacked a peaceful group of Coptic Christians protesting the burning of a church in Aswan. In what has been deemed the “Massacre at Maspero,” referring to the location of the demonstration, witnesses say the army fired on the demonstrators with live ammunition and plowed into the crowd with armored vehicles. The military denied the use of live ammunition and claimed that their soldiers were attacked by an armed mob. The military has arrested at least 28 people, almost all Copts, including prominent blogger Alaa Abdel Fattah, and brought them before military prosecutors. The hearing will focus on violence perpetrated against the Coptic Christians in Egypt, the implications of the events for that community and the current Egyptian leadership, and prospects for the consolidation of democracy in Egypt.”

CFI Vice-President, Robert Sweet was in attendance.

Below is the video from hearinging.