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

Links

http://www.mormonum.org/