The earliest known Turkish settlers in what is now the United States arrived in 1586. "Turks and Moors" were liberated from the Spanish galleys and given a new life in the colony of Roanoke. Turkish immigration saw several booms in the 1800s and 1900s, though earlier immigrants reported other nationalities out of fear that a nation known for Christianity might not accept them. In the early 1900s, however, it was discovered that the U. S. was very accepting, and Turkish immigration increased. In recent years, significant numbers of Turkish immigrants are of the diaspora, relocating from various parts of Europe instead of Turkey itself.

There are strong Turkish communities in the United States, represented by community and political organizations. They have their own networks to help them build community, find spouses and employment. Though they change their country of residence, the Turks bring with them much of their culture – including their national and ancestral pride along with their commitment to Islamic worship at a mosque and celebration of Muslim festivals. The Turkish commitment to their culture is reflected in the fact that Turkish remains the dominant language in the home for Turkish households regardless of proficiency in English.

Turks who are religious and those who are secular are both committed to one degree or another to Islam as a religious system. Few would dare deviate from Sunni Islam.

Turkish people in the US are nominally Muslim. They need to see past their inherited religious customs, and their empty life pursuits of enjoyment and fulfillment. They need to see the emptiness of alcohol, drugs, and immoral sexual relationships, and have their hearts touched so that they will begin to long for something more.

Pray that churches and mission organizations will accept the challenge of adopting and reaching the Turks until there is a movement to Christ among them in the United States. Ask God to give the Turkish believers boldness to share the gospel with their own people. Ask the Lord to save key leaders among Turks who will open the door for others to accept the blessings of Jesus Christ. Pray that Christ followers in the United States will build solid community with their Turkish neighbors, opening their homes in hospitality, and sharing the love of the Christ who washes feet and invites all to come in and dine with Him.

Scripture Prayers for the Turk in United States.