Written by Stefan van der Berg (Ministry Leader dia-LOGOS)
World leaders congratulated Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan on his victory in a significant run-off election, which posed the most substantial challenge to his 20-year reign. The Syrian refugee population, comprising approximately 3.6 million people, showed less enthusiasm toward the election due to its potential implications for both the Syrian Civil War and the Syrian refugees currently living in Turkey.
Anti-refugee sentiments have been running high in Turkey and President Erdogan has hardened his once-accepting stance towards people displaced by war during this election.
Erdogan has been a strong proponent of the Syrian opposition, and his win could trigger a heightened Turkish military presence in the conflict, which could contribute to further destabilization and longer war duration. Additionally, his criticism of the Syrian government may cause more deterioration of Turkey-Syria relations, impeding the chances of political resolution.
Furthermore, his victory might escalate the influx of Syrian refugees into Turkey, creating an overload on Turkey's resources and intensifying social clashes inside the country. Overall, Erdogan's win may carry negative repercussions for the Syrian Civil War and Syrian refugees in Turkey, leading to more violence, instability, and displacement, as well as obstructing attempts to reach a political agreement.
Here are some ways in which Erdogan's win could impact Syrian refugees in Turkey:
A Christian Response:
Our willingness to pray for change comes easily, but we often neglect the fact that God wants us to be the catalysts for the change we desire. As we pray for justice, an end to violence, and discrimination, we humbly acknowledge our need for God's help, referencing 2 Chronicles 7:14: "If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land."
However, we must not forget that this verse emphasizes the attitude behind prayer more than the act of prayer. God desires our hearts to be broken and surrendered in humility, not just our knees bowed in reverence. This means deliberately choosing to love our enemies, forgive those who have wronged us, seek reconciliation with those who have offended us, and show kindness to those who persecute us.
By deeply embracing this and actively incorporating it into our lives, we can purposefully relinquish our personal quest for justice. Instead, we can direct our prayers toward those enduring adversity in refugee camps and the conflicts that plague our world. In doing so, we entrust justice to God and present our deliberate prayers as an offering.
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