Summary: 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.<br> Episode Highlights<br> 4:55 Personal faith development before joining the church<br> 10:00 School in Norway and discovery of Jesus Christ as more than a prophet<br> 14:30 Meeting the LDS missionaries<br> 16:00 Gaining a testimony of Jesus Christ as a truth-seeker from a Muslim background<br> 18:20 Experiencing the Spirit through the missionaries<br> 19:20 Joining the LDS Church<br> 21:40 Gaining a testimony of a living prophet<br> 23:20 Choosing to go on a mission<br> 24:45 Mission to Arizona and resolution of passport issues<br> 31:30 Working on Book of Mormon translation while at BYU<br> 33:30 Joseph Smith translating the Book of Mormon compared to translating it into Turkish<br> 35:00 Discovery of 1903 translation by Armenian missionaries; no animosity between nations within the gospel<br> 39:50 Creating the Turkish name for the church<br> 43:40 Return to Turkey and building the church there, from Babylon Street to Dove Street<br> 47:30 Dedication of building by Elder Christofferson<br> 48:25 Experiences as a branch president in a developing area with great challenges, and creation of website that brought in referrals<br> 53:50 Muslim perspective of Christians in Turkey<br> 54:35 Elder Holland quote about his experience dedicating Turkey<br> 56:15 Growth of the church in Turkey<br> 57:15 Attending the temple from Turkey<br> 58:05 Continuing goals and efforts to reach truth-seekers and grow the church<br> 59:50 Being part of a mission presidency over a large area with few members<br> 1:02:00 Suggestions for struggling branch presidents: minister like Christ did<br> 1:04:10 Using technology to create missionary experiences and conversions<br> 1:07:50 We need to be out and listening to the people<br> 1:08:25 Pray for the saints in Turkey, where ancient saints lived<br> Links<br> <a href="http://www.mormonum.org/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">http://www.mormonum.org/</a>
