Rabia Tufan
I grew up in a Muslim family in Ankara, Turkey. Although my parents
were not strong Muslims I wanted to learn about God. I had a desire
to feel close to God, and so I learnt to read the Koran in Arabic, did Muslim
prayers and covered my head. Despite all this I could not feel God,
and this caused me to have questions. I had been taught that Islam was
the last and most correct religion, so I kept doing my Islamic practices.
In 1990 I met a missionary family and they shared the gospel with me.
I started to read the New Testament, but I never thought I would change my
religion. As I read the Bible I was affected by the idea that God is
love, something I had never heard in Islam. John 3:16 made me think
seriously. However, because I did not want to go to hell I was scared
of making a wrong decision. I asked God to show me which way would lead
me to him, and over time I became convinced of the truth of the gospel.
I gave my life to him and I started to change. As I experienced God's
love I wanted to share it with others.
In 1994 I was baptised and joined the Ankara Salvation Church. I joined
the evangelism team and started to teach children in Sunday school.
In 1997 I worked as a volunteer for Ankara City Council among street children,
and that led to me to full-time ministry with Kardelen Association.
I have a burden to help disadvantaged children through counselling and spiritual
support.
John 3:16
"For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who
believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life."