An expatriate Christian living in North Cyprus has been charged with illegally importing Christian materials into North Cyprus.
He faces travel restrictions while the case is in progress and the possibility of a large fine if convicted.
Ryan Keating formerly resided in Turkey but was targeted for his Christian faith and activity and later moved to North Cyprus.
Sources: Middle East Concern, International Christian Concern
On 31 March, Ryan presented himself at Iskele police station to be formally charged with illegal importation of New Testaments, Bibles and other Christian literature.
He also faced charges related to operating a business without a licence – the customs department had permissions granted by the municipality revoked.
This follows a raid on his business premises (also the meeting place of a church fellowship) and home by police and customs officials on 27 January. A large amount of Christian material was confiscated (20 Bibles in Farsi, 15 Bibles in Arabic, 86 New Testaments in Farsi, 92 New Testaments in Arabic, plus two boxes of the Gospel of John in Farsi and Arabic). The Bibles and New Testaments were for church use and the Gospels for distribution.
The police have demanded Ryan’s passport for the duration of the court case, which is expected to take two to three years. He will need special permission to be able to travel during that period.
The Christian materials were valued at up to $9,300. If Ryan is convicted, the fine is calculated at ten times their value.
Let us pray.
- Please pray that God will give Ryan and his family peace at this particularly stressful and uncertain time.
- Pray that Ryan’s lawyer will have the wisdom to be able to defend Ryan well in a case that raises questions for the churches in North Cyprus about the ease of obtaining Christian materials printed abroad.
- Despite the opposition, pray that God will encourage the church in North Cyprus and cause it to grow and flourish in His grace.
God of the nations, you rule over all, whether large or small nations. We pray for the area know as North Cyprus that you bring revival of the deepest kind and despite the opposition, you will encourage the church in North Cyprus and cause it to grow and flourish by your grace. Raise up faithful preachers for your harvest field. We especially pray that you will give to Ryan and his family, peace at this particularly stressful and uncertain time and that Ryan’s lawyer will have the wisdom to be able to defend Ryan well in a case that raises questions for the churches in North Cyprus about the ease of obtaining Christian materials printed abroad. Father, this is a troubling development and we ask for your mercy for this little country and all to your glory.
Father, You are Lord and provider, You are God of peace and giver of authority. Thank You that You have promised that Your Word will not return fruitless. We pray that You would bear fruit in North Cyprus. Strengthen our brothers and sisters in the church there. May they know all the more the grace and peace found in You, despite persecution and uncertainty, and let that give them courage to continue to bear their crosses for You.
Bring peace for Ryan’s family as they navigate this uncertain time. Thank You for their faith and please help them to persevere. Let them know that You are with them. Always.
May the confiscated materials somehow bless and convict people still, especially their confiscators. You work in unexpected and wonderful ways Lord!
Please direct the church, may they flourish in the midst of opposition.
Bring justice in these court proceedings. We know that You are the giver of authority and justice. Have mercy, Father, on the authorities of Cyprus, on Ryan and his family, on North Cyprus. Let Your justice be done and Your truth be known.
Father in heaven, thank You that in Jesus You have shown us the Way, and that by Your Spirit, You are guiding, encouraging, convicting and teaching us. Let Your Kingdom come here, in Cyprus, in Your world. Let Your will be done, because it is good and right and just.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.