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The Dark Side of Turkey

 This is not about Thanksgiving dinner (and I can't abide dark meet of that fowl). 

It's about my recent trip and concerns for this new country I was allowed to visit. 

https://www.foxnews.com/world/turkey-deports-peaceful-christians-under-guise-national-security-claims-watchdog

At least they are deported, not jailed or executed. But as a member of NATO, a place where there are American bases, and a (supposed) ally of the U.S., I think we can do better. It seems this is mostly about non-Turkish citizens, so it is worse for the citizens. They have to have their religion on an identity card, and it is assumed the religion of the parents (almost always Muslim) is the religion of the child. Changing that is a huge red flag (bad pun, considering the bright red flag of Turkey that reminds one of a communist flag). I am getting into hot water here. 

I have been informed that Turkey is moving in a more radical Muslim direction. My experience there said that the overlay is Muslim but the people do not find personal meaning in it. 

Pray for this country, for a turnabout to freedom of religion of the true kind. Also, reports seem to indicate that despite Trump's pressure, they are leaning toward Hamas and other terroristic groups, or at least the leadership is. I am sorry to hear all this. I had such a lovely time there, the people were authentic and welcoming, and it is a cradle of civilization. But it is difficult for Christians, especially evangelicals but not solely them.

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