Faith
Pastor Imprisoned in Turkey Shares the Prayer That Changed Everything
Faith Facts
- Pastor Andrew Brunson spent 23 years planting churches in Turkey before being arrested on false charges of espionage and terrorism
- During two years of imprisonment, Brunson experienced spiritual silence rather than the closeness of God he expected
- At the Arise Asia 2026 Congress, Brunson challenged thousands of delegates to pray the same prayer that led to his arrest
Andrew Brunson’s testimony stands as a powerful reminder that faithfulness to God often comes at a steep price. The American pastor devoted more than two decades to spreading the Gospel in Turkey, establishing churches in a predominantly Muslim nation. His missionary work came to an abrupt halt when Turkish authorities arrested him on fabricated charges of espionage and terrorism — accusations that would keep him locked away for two years.
Speaking before thousands at the Arise Asia 2026 Congress, Brunson opened up about the most challenging period of his ministry. Many believers imagine that imprisonment for their faith would bring an overwhelming sense of God’s presence. Brunson admitted he expected the same. Instead, what greeted him behind bars was something far more difficult: divine silence.
“What I found instead was silence,” Brunson told the assembled delegates, describing a spiritual wilderness that tested the very foundation of his faith.
Rather than becoming bitter or questioning his calling, Brunson chose to embrace the silence as a test. This season of spiritual desolation, he revealed to the congress attendees, became the most important examination of his life. The absence of felt divine presence forced him to rely not on emotions or spiritual experiences, but on the unchanging truth of God’s Word and promises.
Brunson’s message to the Arise Asia delegates carried a challenging call: to pray the same prayer that ultimately led to his imprisonment. While the specific words of that prayer were not detailed in available reports, the implication is clear — it was a prayer of radical obedience and willingness to suffer for the Gospel, regardless of personal cost.
The pastor’s imprisonment became an international incident, with American officials at the highest levels working to secure his release. His case highlighted the persecution facing Christians in Turkey and other parts of the world where the freedom to worship is not protected. Brunson was eventually released in October 2018, returning to the United States after his ordeal.
His testimony at Arise Asia 2026 serves as both encouragement and warning to believers across the Asian continent and beyond. The Christian faith is growing rapidly in many Asian nations, but often in the face of government restriction, cultural opposition, and outright persecution. Brunson’s willingness to share his darkest spiritual moments — not just his miraculous release — offers a more complete picture of what faithfulness may require.
The call to pray a prayer that could lead to imprisonment is not one taken lightly. It represents a total surrender to God’s purposes, even when those purposes include suffering. For Christians in Asia and around the world facing increasing hostility to their faith, Brunson’s example demonstrates that spiritual preparation matters more than physical comfort or safety.
Brunson’s message resonates particularly in our current moment, as religious freedom faces growing threats both abroad and increasingly at home. His testimony challenges American Christians to consider whether they are willing to pray prayers of such complete surrender, or whether their faith remains comfortable and cost-free.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- The Restoration Movement produced three distinct fellowships by 1906, with Churches of Christ emerging as a conservative, Bible-focused body
- Early 20th-century leaders in Indiana, Tennessee, and Texas held differing convictions on the Holy Spirit, millennial teaching, and church institutions
- The conservative Texas tradition ultimately shaped the doctrinal identity that guided Churches of Christ for much of the twentieth century
A new book from Abilene Christian University Press offers a detailed look at the doctrinal battles that forged the identity of Churches of Christ in the decades after 1906. The volume, the first of three planned works, draws on essays by eight authors who trace how congregations navigated questions of Scripture, worship, and church order.
By the early twentieth century, the Restoration Movement had separated into three distinct groups. Churches of Christ stood apart for their commitment to congregational autonomy and a plain reading of the New Testament.
The collection opens with Daniel Sommer’s 1889 Address and Declaration, which set the tone for separation from the Disciples of Christ. Subsequent chapters highlight the contributions of David Lipscomb and respected African-American leaders such as Preston Taylor, S.W. Womack, and Marshall Keeble.
“Allen and Hicks are to be commended for editing a splendid and illuminating volume. Readers interested in the history of Churches of Christ will eagerly anticipate the next installment in the series.”
Three regional traditions emerged, each with its own convictions. Leaders in Tennessee upheld belief in miraculous divine action and a future millennial kingdom, while Indiana voices favored noninstitutional simplicity and resisted Bible colleges. The Texas tradition, emphasizing the Word alone and strict obedience to positive commands, gradually gained dominance.
Through influential publications like R.L. Whiteside and C.R. Nichol’s Sound Doctrine series and N.B. Hardeman’s Tabernacle Sermons, the Texas perspective reached congregations across the nation. By the 1930s, the Gospel Advocate had become its leading voice.
The book closes with primary source excerpts that allow readers to hear the founders in their own words. Christian families and church libraries will find this careful history both instructive and encouraging for the challenges of today.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- Bank of America closed a Christian ministry’s account in 2020 citing internal policies against certain business types.
- Multiple ministries and faith-based organizations have reported similar account closures from major financial institutions.
- Faith-based groups are increasingly facing challenges accessing traditional banking services across the United States.
In 2020, Bank of America informed a Christian ministry that its account was being closed because the institution had chosen not to service certain types of businesses. The ministry initially believed this decision was isolated to their organization alone.
Further investigation revealed that other faith-based groups had encountered the same treatment from the same financial institution. The pattern suggests a broader policy affecting religious organizations seeking banking services.
“I thought we were the only ones. We weren’t.”
This experience highlights growing concerns among Christian ministries about access to essential financial services. Many traditional banks appear to be reevaluating their relationships with faith-based organizations.
The closure of accounts for religious ministries raises questions about religious liberty and equal access to financial services. Christian organizations across the country are exploring alternative banking options that align with their values and mission.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Faith Facts
- A group of pastors gathered to pray over Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton at a campaign rally, calling on God for supernatural favor in the final weeks before the Senate election.
- The clergy specifically invoked Romans 13, urging divine support for Paxton as he seeks to represent Texas in the United States Senate.
- The public prayer event reflects a growing trend of faith leaders openly supporting conservative candidates who align with traditional Christian values.
A group of Texas pastors publicly prayed over Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton at a campaign rally this week, asking God to grant him favor with voters in the final stretch of his Senate bid.
The clergy cited Romans 13 during the prayer, reminding supporters that governing authorities are called to serve as ministers of God for justice and order.
Pastors for Paxton gathered to pray over @KenPaxtonTX at his rally today in Conroe. Pastors @Steve_Riggle and @BuntrockJames led us in asking God to grant him wisdom, strength, and protection as he serves Texas. ???? https://t.co/8GQVrU5zxO
— Pastors For Paxton (@pastors4paxton) October 20, 2026
“Give him favor with voters.”
Paxton, who has long positioned himself as a defender of biblical values on issues like life, marriage, and religious liberty, welcomed the spiritual covering from the pastors in attendance.
The event underscores the deep connection many conservative voters in Texas feel between their faith and their political choices.
Let us know what you think, please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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