Germany (MNN) — Turkish immigrants to Germany often face a difficult transition. They look forward to a new life but meet a limited job market and housing options that are less
than enticing.
Salma was one such immigrant. She anticipated the reunion with her family
in Germany and freedom for her and her son. Stepping off the train was the beginning of the transition– made more difficult by her Turkish last name.
One Greater Europe Mission missionary, who will be called "Beth," is helping Turkish immigrants like Salma. The German government requires that immigrants take 600 hours of German language classes to encourage integration. It can be easy for Turkish immigrants to be isolated from and rarely interact with Germans since Turkish communities are so abundant.
Beth, who was taking classes at a community center, helps immigrants learn German. In return, her Turkish language skills improve, and she is able to share the Bible with the students. Her goals are to build relationships with the immigrants and to increase interaction between Germans and Turkish immigrants.
Beth was able to share the Bible with a new immigrant friend this past Christmas. The woman asked Beth if she could borrow the Bible after she read a passage about Christ's
birth.
Almost four percent of the German population is Muslim, and most of that is accounted for in Turkish immigrants. There are opportunities to be the hands and feet of Christ to these people even if you can't move to Europe. GEM asks that you pray.
