Finding Hope: How Işık Abla’s Story Speaks to Us All

Some stories don’t just inspire you; they awaken something deep within you. Watching Işık Abla’s interview on GoodVue Network’s Good News with Duke White Jr. and Dr. Lee Kanter was one of those moments. Her journey from a life of turmoil and brokenness to one of freedom and purpose in Christ feels like a modern-day miracle—because it is.

But this isn’t just about her. It’s about us, too—what her story teaches, how it challenges us, and the hope it offers for anyone feeling lost or stuck.

From Istanbul to Despair: The First Chapters

Işık’s early life was shaped by the chaos of Istanbul, Turkey, during the civil war years. Imagine growing up where bombings and gunshots weren’t distant news stories but daily realities. Her home life mirrored that chaos: a father who was often absent and unfaithful, a mother weighed down by rejection and loneliness, and a faith that demanded perfection and sacrifice but never offered peace.

“I memorized the Quran as a child,” Işık shared, her words echoing with the weight of those years. “But no matter how much I tried to prove myself to Allah, I couldn’t escape the fear, anxiety, and panic attacks that consumed me.”

Her journey took a darker turn when she entered an abusive marriage, one marked by physical and emotional torment. By 1996, Işık fled to America, hoping to find refuge, but instead, she found herself trapped in another abusive relationship. It was a spiral into despair that left her contemplating suicide.

A Divine Intervention

And then came that day in 2000—a day she thought would be her last. She dropped her young daughter off at daycare, went to work, and made plans to end her life. But God had other plans.

Her Christian boss called her into his office. What he said wasn’t rehearsed, and it wasn’t random. It was a message directly from the heart of God: “Jesus told me to tell you He’s seen your tears. He’s heard your cries. He has not abandoned you.”

In that moment, something broke. Işık felt the presence of Christ so strongly, she fell to the ground, weeping. “Yes,” she said. Just one word. One surrender. One life changed forever.

The Aftermath of Grace

This is where many stories would end, but for Işık, it was just the beginning. From that moment on, she became a woman on a mission—not out of obligation but out of love. “I didn’t even know what ministry meant,” she admitted, laughing. “But I couldn’t stop telling people what Jesus did for me.”

Her testimony spread like wildfire. Within the first week of her salvation, she led several Muslim friends to Christ. And in the years since, her ministry has reached nearly 800 million people across 200 nations.

But what makes Işık’s work so extraordinary isn’t just the numbers—it’s the heart behind it. “I didn’t grow up in church,” she explained. “I came to the Bible with childlike faith, and I believed every word of it. Miracles, healings, everything Jesus did—I believed it then, and I believe it now.”

What Her Story Teaches Us

Sitting with Işık’s story, you can’t help but reflect on your own. It’s not just about what God did in her life—it’s about what He can do in yours.

She talked about the importance of compassion, something that resonates deeply in today’s world. “Jesus didn’t preach at people; He met their needs first,” she said. “If we’re not interested in someone’s pain, why should they care about our message?”

Whether sharing the Gospel in the streets of Morocco or ministering to Muslims in Turkey, Işık approaches every conversation with genuine care. Her approach reminds us that evangelism isn’t about quotas or checklists—it’s about relationships.

Unity Amid Division

Another theme that ran through the interview was unity, especially in a time of global uncertainty. From her background as a former Muslim to Dr. Lee Kanter’s Messianic Jewish heritage and Duke White’s multiethnic roots, the conversation itself was a beautiful picture of reconciliation in Christ.

“We’re living in dark times,” Işık acknowledged. “But I believe we’re also on the brink of a great revival. Before Christ’s return, I believe we’ll see a unity in the Church like never before—a coming together of Jews, Muslims, and Christians.”

The Role of Prayer

One of the most striking moments in the interview was when Işık talked about prayer—not as a passive act but as a powerful weapon. “Our fight isn’t against flesh and blood,” she reminded us. “It’s a spiritual war. Prayer can go places we can’t. It can take territories for Christ.”

Her words were a call to action, urging us to pray for our leaders, our communities, and even those who persecute us. “If we don’t pray, who will?” she asked.

A Call to Abide

As the interview drew to a close, Işık left viewers with a simple but profound challenge: abide in Christ. “He said, ‘If you abide in Me, you’ll bear much fruit.’ That’s the key to everything—spending time with Him, staying close to Him, and letting His presence transform us.”

Her final words were a reminder that we’re in a spiritual race, and the time is short. “Put on your armor,” she said. “Not the one on the outside, but the one on the inside. And remember—this is a now season. Don’t wait.”

Take the Next Step

Işık Abla’s story is a powerful reminder of God’s ability to transform lives and bring hope where there was once despair. Her testimony challenges us to live with purpose, compassion, and faith.

Be encouraged, inspired, and reminded of the incredible things God can do through ordinary people who say, “Yes.”