The Orhangazi Criminal Court has set July 8 as the date to assess the latest medical reports on Yakup Cindilli, a Christian who was severely beaten in October 2003 as he was distributing New Testaments. After two months in a coma, Cindilli has been slowly recovering. In March 2004, medical examiners said they would need to wait fifteen months to determine how much permanent injury Cindilli was suffering (click here for details). The judge ordered the additional tests, to be presented this week.
Cindilli's parents are strict Muslims and had refused any contact with Christians. However, since January they have allowed members of the Bursa Protestant Church to take their son for physical therapy, which has helped significantly. Pastor Ismail Kulakcioglu told Compass Direct that his right arm is still affected and he is not entirely back to normal psychologically, although he can now speak clearly and express his opinions. He is able to do some light physical work.
Three members of the militant Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) are accused of assaulting Cindilli. Family members are hoping that the case will now be able to be concluded. Despite pressures from his family to renounce his faith, a member of the Bursa church reported that, "Yakup is very committed to stay faithful to Jesus, in spite of what happened."
Pray for a final and just resolution to this case. Pray for Cindilli's full healing. Pray that his family will see the love of Christ in Cindilli and other church members and will come to faith in Christ.
For more information on the difficulties facing Turkish Christians, click here.
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