FREE PASTOR ANDREW
Andrew Brunson
EPC Teaching Elder Andrew Brunson and his wife, Norine, were appointed as missionaries to Turkey by the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church (ARP) in 1993. He transferred his ordination to the EPC’s Presbytery of the Mid-Atlantic in 2010.
The Brunsons, who were applying for Turkish permanent residency, were detained on October 7, 2016, in the coastal city of Izmir (biblical Smyrna). Norine was released on October 19 but Andrew remained imprisoned. At the time of his arrest, he was serving as pastor of Izmir Resurrection Church.
On December 8, 2016, (after being detained for 63 days), Andrew was formally charged with “membership in an armed terrorist organization” and sent to prison. On August 24, 2017, a Turkish court added three new charges, including gathering state secrets for espionage, attempting to overthrow the Turkish parliament and government, and trying to change the constitutional order. On March 21, 2018, the Turkish court accepted a 62-page indictment against Andrew and scheduled his first hearing for April 16, 2018.
Following each of the first three hearings in his trial (on April 16, May 7, and July 18, 2018), Andrew was returned to prison. Under consistent public and private pressure from the United States and others, the Turkish court released Andrew to house arrest on July 25, 2018, until the fourth hearing on October 12, 2018.
Following testimony in the fourth phase of his trial on October 12, 2018, the prosecution requested and received lifting of Andrew’s house arrest and travel ban. The judge issued a conviction, and imposed a sentence of 3 years, 1 month, and 15 days but released Andrew on the equivalent of time served. Andrew and Norine left Turkey later the same day.
On October 13, 2018, Andrew and Norine arrived in the United States. They and their family met with the President, Administration staff, lawmakers, and others in the Oval Office.
The Brunsons are currently recuperating at their home church, Christ Community Church in Montreat, North Carolina.
You can review the EPC’s coverage of Andrew’s situation by searching “Andrew Brunson” on EPConnection (the EPC news and information service). Mainstream media coverage of Andrew’s ordeal can be found through internet news searches of “Andrew Brunson.” In addition, Andrew and Norine Brunson’s Facebook page was updated throughout Andrew’s imprisonment.
Use these quick links to navigate to the appropriate section:
“Welcome Back, Andrew!” Fund
Timeline of Significant Events
You are Worthy of My All
Wristbands
Call to Prayer and Fasting (October 2018)
31-Day Prayer Initiative for Andrew and Turkey (October 2018)
Call to Prayer and Fasting (July 2018)
Call to Prayer and Fasting (May 2018)
Call to Prayer and Fasting (April 2018)
Call to Prayer and Fasting (October 2017)
Additional Information
“WELCOME BACK, ANDREW!” FUND
Goal: REACHED!
Donations to this fund are assisting Andrew and Norine Brunson in their recovery from their two-year ordeal in Turkey. Andrew is serving as Missionary-in-Residence at Christ Community Church in Montreat, N.C., for one year, and gifts to the fund were sent to the church to finance the position. Christ Community Church is the Brunsons’ home congregation.
In addition to compensation and benefits, donations to the fund will cover court costs Andrew incurred with his conviction in Turkey of terrorism charges; relocation expenses; a travel allowance to help the Brunsons reconnect with their adult children (who live in three different parts of the U.S.); and seek the medical and spiritual help they will need in the months ahead.
Click here to donate.
TIMELINE OF SIGNIFICANT EVENTS
Izmir Resurrection Church
Click here to download this timeline in printable pdf format.
1993
Andrew and Norine Brunson move to Turkey under auspices of World Witness, the board of foreign missions for the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church.
2010
Transferred ordination to EPC and planted Izmir Resurrection Church.
October 7, 2016
Andrew and Norine arrested and sent to a detention facility.
October 19, 2016
Norine released from detention. Andrew continues to be held despite no formal charges.
December 8, 2016 (after being detained for 63 days)
Andrew charged with “membership in an armed terrorist organization” and sent to prison, although the charging documents did not state any evidence against him.
January 3, 2017
Andrew’s 49th birthday.
February 6, 2017
EPC launches “Forgotten American in Turkey” online petition with the White House in Washington, D.C.
February 15, 2017
78 members of U.S. Congress sign letter to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan requesting Andrew’s release.
March 30, 2017
U.S. Secretary of State Rex Tillerson meets with Norine in Turkey.
May 16, 2017
In meetings with Erdoğan in Washington, U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence request Andrew’s release.
May 19, 2017
Turkish media reports Andrew is being accused of being a “Kurdish sympathizer” and a “Gülenist.”
August 24, 2017
Turkish court adds three new charges, including gathering state secrets for espionage, attempting to overthrow the Turkish parliament and government, and trying to change the constitutional order. Andrew could face up to four consecutive life sentences if convicted.
September 28, 2017
Erdoğan publicly offers swap of Andrew for the extradition of Fethullah Gülen, who has lived in Pennsylvania since 1999 and Erdoğan blames for the failed 2016 coup attempt.
October 7-8, 2017
EPC issues Call to Prayer and Fasting to mark one year of imprisonment.
November 3, 2017
Andrew’s song “You are Worthy of My All” (written while in prison) is posted to Andrew and Norine Brunson Facebook page.
November 15, 2017
The Brunson’s daughter, Jacqueline Furnari, testifies to the U.S. Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe, also known as the Helsinki Commission.
January 3, 2018
Andrew’s 50th birthday.
March 16, 2018
Jacqueline Furnari testifies before the United Nations Human Rights Council in Geneva, Switzerland.
March 21, 2018
Turkish court accepts 62-page indictment against Andrew and schedules beginning of trial for April 16, 2018.
March 26, 2018
Senator Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) meets with Andrew in prison.
April 15, 2018
EPC issues Call to Prayer and Fasting ahead of April 16 trial opening.
April 16, 2018
Trial convenes. Following opening testimony, judge deems Andrew a “flight risk” and returns him to prison until next hearing, scheduled for May 7, 2018.
April 16, 2018
U.S. State Department issues statement: “The entire U.S. government is following Mr. Brunson’s case closely. We have seen no credible evidence that Mr. Brunson is guilty of a crime and are convinced that he is innocent. We believe that Turkey is a state bound by the rule of law, and we have faith in the Turkish people’s commitment to justice. We hope that the judicial system in Turkey will resolve his case in a timely, fair, and transparent manner.”
April 26, 2018
In response to Andrew’s continued imprisonment, U.S. Senators James Lankford (R-Okla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduce a bill to prevent the transfer of the Lockheed Martin–made F-35 to Turkey and to block Ankara’s role as a maintenance depot for the aircraft.
May 4, 2018
50 members of the European Parliament sign letter to Turkey’s President, requesting Andrew’s release.
May 5-6, 2018
EPC issues Call to Prayer and Fasting ahead of May 7 scheduled resumption of trial.
May 7, 2018
Trial reconvenes for second session. Judge returns Andrew to prison until next hearing, scheduled for July 18, 2018.
June 29, 2018
U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) discuss Andrew’s situation in a meeting with Turkish President Erdoğan in Ankara.
July 17, 2018
EPC issues Call to Prayer and Fasting ahead of July 18 scheduled resumption of trial.
July 18, 2018
Trial reconvenes for third session. Judge returns Andrew to prison until next hearing, scheduled for October 12, 2018.
July 18, 2018
United States Commission on International Freedom (USCIRF) issues statement condemning court decision to continue holding Brunson in prison.
July 19, 2018
Senators Bob Corker (R-Tenn.), James Lankford (R-Okla.), Bob Menendez (D-N.J.), Bill Nelson (D- Fla.), Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) introduce legislation restrict loans from international financial institutions to Turkey until the Turkish government ends the unjust detention of U.S. citizens.
July 23, 2018
Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.) and Jeane Shaheen (D-N.H.) announce a provision in the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) that directs the Secretary of Defense to submit a report to Congress assessing Turkey’s participation in the F-35 fighter jet program.
July 24, 2018
Jacqueline Furnari testifies to the inaugural U.S. State Department’s “Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom” in Washington, D.C.
July 25, 2018
Turkish court releases Brunson from prison to house arrest until October 12 hearing.
July 31, 2018
Turkish court rejects appeal to release Andrew from house arrest; Trump administration imposes sanctions on Turkey’s Justice Minister and Interior Minister.
August 15, 2018
Turkish court in Izmir rejects second appeal to release Andrew from house arrest.
August 17, 2018
A higher Turkish court upholds lower court ruling to reject second appeal to release Andrew from house arrest.
October 1, 2018
In an address to Turkey’s parliament, Turkish President Erdoğan accuses the U.S. of using Andrew as a pretext to impose sanctions. Erdoğan describes Andrew as having “dark ties to terror groups.”
October 3, 2018
Andrew’s attorney, İsmail Cem Halavurt, files appeal with Turkey’s highest court, the Turkish Constitutional Court.
October 12, 2018
ANDREW IS RELEASED! Prosecution requests and receives lifting of house arrest and travel ban. Judge issues conviction with sentence of 3 years, 1 month, 15 days and releases Andrew on time served. Andrew and Norine leave Turkey.
October 13, 2018
Andrew and Norine arrive in the United States. They and their family meet with the President, Administration staff, lawmakers, and others in the Oval Office.
November 2, 2018
“Welcome Back, Andrew!” Fund established by the EPC to assist the Brunsons with their recovery. Donations to the fund will finance a Missionary-in-Residence position created for Andrew by their home church in North Carolina; cover court costs Andrew incurred with his conviction in Turkey of terrorism charges; relocation expenses; a travel allowance to help the Brunsons reconnect with their adult children (who live in three different parts of the U.S.); and seek any needed medical and spiritual help.
November 9, 2018
Andrew named “Daniel of the Year” by World Magazine.
YOU ARE WORTHY OF MY ALL
“You Are Worthy of My All” was written by Andrew Brunson in fall 2017 while in prison in Turkey. The recording is sung by a Turkish believer and friend of the Brunsons. It is the desire of EPC leadership that every EPC church incorporate Andrew’s modern hymn into their worship services.
Click here for an audio recording in downloadable mp3 format.
Sheet music for You Are Worthy of My All is available in printable pdf format three different notations:
Chord Chart
Click for a simple chord chart with lyrics, but no written melody line.
Melody Line with Harmonies
Click for a chord chart with lyrics, printed melody line, and harmonies arranged by Kris Bartman, Music Director for Christ Community Church in Montreat, North Carolina.
Traditional Hymn Format
Click for a more traditional, hymn-like format arranged by Erin Connors, Music Director for Venice EPC in McDonald, Pennsylvania.
WRISTBANDS
For more than 23 years, Andrew and Norine Brunson made Turkey their home and ministry. Andrew was released from detention on October 12, and that court decision now leaves the Brunsons to seek God’s place of ministry for their next chapter. Continue to show your support with this one-size-fits-all wristband. Molded in EPC Blue with “Pray for Andrew Brunson” in white, and “Isaiah 42:3″ on the inside. Measures approximately 2½” x ½”
25 cents each (plus shipping).
Click here to order.
CALL TO PRAYER AND FASTING, OCTOBER 2018
The trial of Andrew Brunson, EPC Teaching Elder imprisoned in Turkey since October 2016, resumes on October 12, 2018. In an effort to stand with and pray for the entire Brunson family, the EPC is issuing a Call to Prayer and Fasting for the week of October 8.
To help facilitate corporate or individual prayer, the prayer sheets below offer Scripture prayers for each member of the Brunson family and can be used as bulletin inserts or as simple handouts. Each file is in pdf format and designed to be printed on both front and back of standard 8.5×11 paper, then cut in half. The high-resolution versions are 300dpi CMYK files for commercial offset or digital printing; the low-resolution versions are 180dpi RGB format for printing on a laser or inkjet printer. For proper laser or inkjet printing, ensure your print settings are set to “Actual Size” and not “Fit.”
5.5″ x 8.5″
High-Resolution CMYK for commercial offset or digital printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
5.5″ x 8.5″
Low-Resolution RGB for color laser or inkjet printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
4.25″ x 11″
High-Resolution CMYK for commercial offset or digital printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
4.25″ x 11″
Low-Resolution RGB for color laser or inkjet printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
31-DAY PRAYER INITIATIVE (OCTOBER 2018)
This in-depth, 31-day Prayer Initiative is designed to last for the month of October 2018. Included are relevant Scripture passages for each day; facts about Turkey, its peoples, and Andrew’s life and ministry there; and specific prayer requests that correspond to the day’s passage and “point to ponder.”
The complete Prayer Guide for October 1-31 is available in printable, PDF format by clicking here or on the image at right.
This Prayer Guide was developed by William P. (Bill) Campbell. A Teaching Elder in the EPC, he serves as Pastor of Hendersonville (N.C.) Presbyterian Church, and also is the Founder and President of Scripture Awakening—a ministry that offers resources to help people read, study, and live the Scriptures. Campbell attended Andrew’s trial on July 18, 2018, in Aliağa, Turkey.
CALL TO PRAYER AND FASTING, JULY 2018
The trial of Andrew Brunson, EPC Teaching Elder imprisoned in Turkey since October 2016, resumes on July 18, 2018. In an effort to stand with and pray for the entire Brunson family, the EPC is issuing a Call to Prayer and Fasting for Tuesday, July 17.
To help facilitate corporate or individual prayer, the prayer sheets below offer Scripture prayers for each member of the Brunson family and can be used as bulletin inserts or as simple handouts. Each file is in pdf format and designed to be printed on both front and back of standard 8.5×11 paper, then cut in half. The high-resolution versions are 300dpi CMYK files for commercial offset or digital printing; the low-resolution versions are 180dpi RGB format for printing on a laser or inkjet printer. For proper laser or inkjet printing, ensure your print settings are set to “Actual Size” and not “Fit.”
5.5″ x 8.5″
High-Resolution CMYK for commercial offset or digital printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
5.5″ x 8.5″
Low-Resolution RGB for color laser or inkjet printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
4.25″ x 11″
High-Resolution CMYK for commercial offset or digital printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
4.25″ x 11″
Low-Resolution RGB for color laser or inkjet printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
CALL TO PRAYER AND FASTING, MAY 2018
The trial of Andrew Brunson, EPC Teaching Elder imprisoned in Turkey since October 2016, resumes on May 7, 2018. In an effort to stand with and pray for the entire Brunson family, the EPC is issuing a Call to Prayer and Fasting for the weekend of May 5-6.
To help facilitate a corporate prayer, as well as individual prayer at any time, the bulletin inserts below offer Scripture prayers for each member of the Brunson family. Each insert is in pdf format and designed to be printed on both front and back of standard 8.5×11 paper, then cut in half. The high-resolution versions are 300dpi CMYK files for commercial offset or digital printing; the low-resolution versions are 180dpi RGB format for printing on a laser or inkjet printer. For proper laser or inkjet printing, ensure your print settings are set to “Actual Size” and not “Fit.”
5.5″ x 8.5″
High-Resolution CMYK for commercial offset or digital printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
5.5″ x 8.5″
Low-Resolution RGB for color laser or inkjet printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
4.25″ x 11″
High-Resolution CMYK for commercial offset or digital printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
4.25″ x 11″
Low-Resolution RGB for color laser or inkjet printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
CALL TO PRAYER AND FASTING, APRIL 2018
On April 16, 2018, EPC Teaching Elder Andrew Brunson went on trial in Izmir, Turkey. If convicted of the charges in the 62-page indictment filed by the prosecutor, Andrew could be sentenced to 35 years in prison. The indictment charges Brunson with helping terrorist organizations and of trying to convert Turks to Christianity.
In an effort to stand with and pray for the entire Brunson family, the EPC issued a Call to Prayer and Fasting for Sunday, April 15. The opening phase of the trial began at 9:00 a.m. local time in Turkey (2:00 a.m. EST), and lasted more than 12 hours.
A seven-day Prayer Guide designed for use in the week before the trial began is available by clicking here or on the image at right.
CALL TO PRAYER AND FASTING, OCTOBER 2017
On October 7, 2017, EPC teaching elder Andrew Brunson had been imprisoned in Turkey for one year. To mark the date, the denomination issued a Call to Prayer and Fasting for the weekend of October 7-8.
To help facilitate a corporate prayer, as well as individual prayer at any time, the bulletin inserts below offer Scripture prayers, as well as a specific prayer for the Brunson family. Each insert is in pdf format and designed to be printed on both front and back of standard 8.5×11 paper, then cut in half. The high-resolution versions are 300dpi CMYK files for commercial offset or digital printing; the low-resolution versions are 180dpi RGB format for printing on a laser or inkjet printer. For proper laser or inkjet printing, ensure your print settings are set to “Actual Size” and not “Fit.”
5.5″ x 8.5″
High-Resolution CMYK for commercial offset or digital printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
5.5″ x 8.5″
Low-Resolution RGB for color laser or inkjet printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
4.25″ x 11″
High-Resolution CMYK for commercial offset or digital printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
4.25″ x 11″
Low-Resolution RGB for color laser or inkjet printing.
If your browser has the Adobe Acrobat plugin enabled, click here or on the image at left. The pdf file will open in a new window or tab in your browser. Right-click (Control-click on Mac) on the file and “Save As” to your designated location on your computer.
If your browser does not have the Adobe Acrobat plugin (or if you are not sure), Right-Click (PC) or Control-Click (Mac) here or on the image at left, and select “Save Link As” to your designated location on your computer.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Thank you for praying for Andrew Brunson. We have been directed to remove any other public material regarding the situation. Contact Brian Smith, EPC Director of Communications, with any questions.
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