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Murat Chakir is a pioneer for the LDS Church in his native country, Turkey. He joined the church while studying in Norway, served a mission to Arizona, completed his education at Brigham Young University, and then returned to Turkey where he served as branch president. He currently serves in the mission presidency of the Central Eurasian Mission, which includes Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkey, and Uzbekistan.
Episode Highlights
4:55 Personal faith development before joining the church 10:00 School in Norway and discovery of Jesus Christ as more than a prophet 14:30 Meeting the LDS missionaries 16:00 Gaining a testimony of Jesus Christ as a truth-seeker from a Muslim background 18:20 Experiencing the Spirit through the missionaries 19:20 Joining the LDS Church 21:40 Gaining a testimony of a living prophet 23:20 Choosing to go on a mission 24:45 Mission to Arizona and resolution of passport issues 31:30 Working on Book of Mormon translation while at BYU 33:30 Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon compared to translating it into Turkish 35:00 Discovery of 1903 translation by Armenian missionaries; no animosity between nations within the gospel 39:50 Creating the Turkish name for the church 43:40 Return to Turkey and building the church there, from Babylon Street to Dove Street 47:30 Dedication of building by Elder Christofferson 48:25 Experiences as a branch president in a developing area with great challenges, and creation of website that brought in referrals 53:50 Muslim perspective of Christians in Turkey 54:35 Elder Holland quote about his experience dedicating Turkey 56:15 Growth of the church in Turkey 57:15 Attending the temple from Turkey 58:05 Continuing goals and efforts to reach truth-seekers and grow the church 59:50 Being part of a mission presidency over a large area with few members 1:02:00 Suggestions for struggling branch presidents: minister like Christ did 1:04:10 Using technology to create missionary experiences and conversions 1:07:50 We need to be out and listening to the people 1:08:25 Pray for the saints in Turkey, where ancient saints lived
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Great interview (as usual). I loved how he shared the small miracles he saw as he sought out and served the Lord. I also liked how he shared a leadership principle of humbly advocating for a position – understanding your position may not be the one chosen. That’s a great principle for councils. And I’m going to paraphrase here, but he had a very quotable quote, in reference to the ancient Christians of Turkey: “Connect the work of the living and the work of the dead and we will see more miracles.”
Thank you!
Just when I thought a Leading Saints interview couldn’t get better, and then I listen to Brother Cakir. Wow! I think I shed tears three times during this interview. What an amazing priesthood holder. Story after amazing story in this episode.
Brother Cakir, if you read my comment here on Leading Saints, I want to say thank you for being such a pillar of faith and a church pioneer in your country.
While listening to you share your story, I couldn’t help but think of Joseph Smith’s quote when he said, “the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear…”
Thank you for stepping forward boldly and nobly on the frontlines of the gospel that is rolling forward across the world.
Elder Cakir, as used to i called him, as my trainer on my mission to Arizona impacted my life tremendously. It was a blessing to serve with him and hear his testimony every day for 2 months. I could have told you his entire conversion which still impacts me over 30 years later. He is an amazing person.
It would be nice to have a story from other countries like India and Pakistan. Mine was the first family unit that was baptized in India. I was the first Missionary out of India to serve a full time mission and the saga goes on.