Alanya - A place of hope: Founding churches and restoring life
In the city of Alanya, Turkey, a dedicated team is committed to building churches and supporting the local population.
For over a decade, Taleh and Natella Kasimov have been working to spread the gospel in the region and help people in need. Their mission began in 2016 when Taleh experienced his conversion in Batumi and immediately joined the ministry.
Today, they are realizing their vision to expand the kingdom of God by planting 30 new churches. In addition to their spiritual work, they are involved in humanitarian projects ranging from caring for earthquake victims to supporting women in need.
With the help of Pastor Johannes Justus and the Elim Network, they were able to found the Christian center “Yardim Elim”, which offers both spiritual and practical support. Their goal: to make Alanya a place where people and God can come together.
Our man on the spot
This is the Kasimow family, consisting of Taleh and Natella, five children and six grandchildren.
They have been living in the city of Alanya, Turkey, for ten years. Taleh converted in 2016 in the city of Batumi in Georgia. Pastor Elguja from the Batumi Church baptized him. This baptism had a special meaning, as Pastor Elguja asked him immediately afterwards to help baptize other brothers and sisters. Taleh’s youngest daughter, Fidan, was also baptized that day.
So Taleh’s ministry began immediately after his own baptism.
Vision
The Kasimov family’s main mission is to serve the local population in Turkey. Taleh is fluent in Turkish and Russian, while Natella is fluent in Russian and English. Their deep connection to the people of the region is fueled by the belief that God has a special plan and purpose for the Turks.
Inspired by the Bible passages John 4:35 – “Look up and see the fields, they are white and ripe for harvest” – and John 20:21 – “As the Father has sent me, so I am sending you” – they have made it their mission to create a place of encounter between people and God in Alanya.
Their aim is to restore life. In the last ten years, they have founded two foreign church associations in the region and are aiming to spread the kingdom of God by founding 30 more churches in the coming years. Despite the 900 mosques in the city, they are confident that nothing is impossible for the Lord.
Humanitarian projects
The Kasimow family maintains close relations with the Turkish authorities in order to provide social and humanitarian aid in the region. They have already launched several projects, which are being successfully implemented with God’s help.
- The “Feed the Hungry” project feeds the homeless by purchasing and delivering food.
- With the “Helping Hand” initiative, they continuously support families affected by the earthquake in Hatay.
- The “Daughters of the King” program provides spiritual, moral and financial support for women suffering from domestic violence.
These projects are an expression of their commitment to improving the lives of people in the region in the long term.
Church work
The Kasimov family’s house church comprises around 15 to 19 people, 10 to 12 of whom are locals. Their aim is to found several house groups in different towns and villages. In addition, they plan to rent a suitable space for regular Sunday services and go on mission trips to other cities in Turkey to build relationships with Turkish-speaking congregations.
In the course of their mission, they have already led more than 35 Turks to Jesus and helped many broken families to be restored. Family and family values play a central role in their ministry, and by God’s grace, many of these people have received water baptism and begun a righteous life.
God has given them a spiritual father and mentor at just the right time: Pastor Johannes Justus. He has been traveling to Turkey regularly for over five years and actively supports the development and planting of churches in Alanya. Taleh and Natella look back with great gratitude on the support of Pastor Johannes and the entire “Elim Network” team, which made a significant contribution to the founding and development of the “Yardim Elim” (“Helping Hand”) Christian center in Alanya.
Bank Account
BENEFICIARY: Elim Network e.V.
ACCOUNT-NUMBER: 1 7848 11
BIC: GENODE51BH2
BANKADRESS: Spar- und Kreditbank Evangelisch-Freikirchlicher Gemeinden eG
Director
- Johannes Justus
-
Director of Elim Network
Assistant to the Board
- Lena Warkentin
- Contact and coordination for Germany
Get In Touch
- lena.warkentin@elim-network.de