God's Hostage

1. A Life Dedicated to Turkey

Turkey was home.

Called to missions. Andrew Brunson felt a strong call to missions from childhood, inspired by figures like Hudson Taylor. He and his wife, Norine, moved to Turkey in 1993, dedicating over two decades to ministry in Izmir, ancient Smyrna. They started churches, trained missionaries, and worked extensively with Syrian and Iraqi refugees, providing aid and sharing their faith openly.

Counting the cost. Their ministry was not without risk. They faced death threats and knew of others who had been martyred. Despite the dangers and the slow pace of growth in a predominantly Muslim country, they were committed to staying until God clearly directed them otherwise, believing they were preparing for a spiritual harvest. They had even applied for permanent residency, planning to live there for the rest of their lives.

An unsettling thought. Just days before his arrest, Andrew had a sudden, inexplicable thought while shaving: "It's time to come home." He initially feared it meant death, but later wondered if it was God preparing him for a different kind of return home – deportation. This thought unsettled him deeply, contrasting sharply with his long-term commitment to Turkey.

2. The Shock of Sudden Arrest

“There is a deportation order for you. Sit down. Don’t leave this room. We’re keeping you here for a while.”

Expecting residency. On October 7, 2016, Andrew and Norine went to the police station expecting to finalize their application for permanent residency. Instead, they were informed of a deportation order based on a G-82 code: "Threat to National Security." This was a complete shock after 23 years of open ministry.

Escalating situation. The initial shock turned to confusion and fear as the situation quickly escalated. They were taken to the Counter-Terror police, fingerprinted, and processed. Despite their pleas, they were denied access to a lawyer or even a phone call to their children. The deportation order was then amended to include accusations of being a "manager, member or supporter of a terrorist organization."

Loss of control. The suddenness and lack of information were disorienting. They were taken to Isikkent, a detention center known for holding serious cases, and separated upon arrival. Andrew realized the phrase "It's time to come home" might have been God's way of preparing him for this unexpected turn, offering a glimmer of reassurance that God was involved, even amidst the chaos and loss of control.

3. Detention and Separation

“Something’s not right, something’s going on.”

Locked away together. Andrew and Norine were initially held together in a cell at the Isikkent detention center. The conditions were basic and dirty, and they were surrounded by the sounds of other detainees, including wailing prayers from next door. Despite the fear, they found comfort in being together and began to process the sudden end to their life in Turkey, grieving the loss of their ministry and relationships.

Choosing gratitude. In the midst of their despair, Norine suggested they "go with thanksgiving," focusing on the good things God had done over the years. They listed memories, finding moments of gratitude even as the hardships associated with those memories came to mind. They prayed, sang, and tried to establish a routine, clinging to each other for support.

Ripped apart. After almost two weeks, Andrew collapsed during their brief outdoor time. Despite his protests, he was taken to the hospital and then returned. Shortly after, Norine was unexpectedly released. Andrew was taken to a solitary cell, his greatest fear realized. As Norine was hurried out, he shouted, "Fight for me!" and she promised to "storm heaven and earth." He was left alone, terrified but resolved to dedicate his time to God.

4. Spiritual Crisis and Doubt

“Where is my loving Father?”

Transferred to isolation. Andrew was unexpectedly transferred at midnight to Harmandali, a remote deportation center. He was placed in solitary confinement, cut off from Norine and the outside world. The isolation, lack of information, and fear of the unknown began to take a severe toll on his mental and emotional state. He felt abandoned and questioned if Norine would be able to find him.

A plague of questions. The isolation intensified his anxiety. He was tormented by questions about his future, his family, and God's plan. He struggled to pray or focus, feeling himself falling apart piece by piece. The thought "I am Job" entered his mind, leading to the terrifying conclusion that God had handed him over to be tested, removing his protection for some higher purpose.

Wrestling with God. He wrestled with feelings of betrayal and anger towards God, questioning His care and presence. He felt weak and powerless, convinced he was in the hands of a malevolent spiritual power. This period marked the beginning of a deep spiritual crisis, where his faith was severely tested by the intense suffering and perceived silence of God.

5. The Mouth of Hell Opens

“Give us the Imam—Take the Priest.”

Political leverage. After months in detention, Andrew's case became increasingly politicized. Following a failed coup attempt in Turkey, President Erdogan consolidated power and targeted perceived enemies, including the Gulen movement. Andrew, an American pastor, became a valuable bargaining chip in Turkey's strained relationship with the US, particularly regarding the extradition of Fethullah Gulen.

Media onslaught. The Turkish media, controlled by the government, launched a vicious campaign against Andrew, portraying him as a terrorist and spy. Accusations grew increasingly wild, calling him "Spy Priest" and "Rambo Priest," claiming he was a CIA agent orchestrating the coup and leading US special forces. This orchestrated media frenzy was designed to demonize him and justify his continued detention.

A clear exchange. The political nature of his imprisonment became undeniable when President Erdogan publicly offered to swap Andrew for Fethullah Gulen. This confirmed that Andrew was being held as a political hostage, not based on any legitimate charges. The media amplified this message with headlines like "Give Us the Imam—Take the Priest," signaling that Andrew was caught in a high-stakes geopolitical game.

6. Finding Strength in the Pit

I was like a shark: constantly alert, constantly on the move. It was the only way I could survive.

Sakran's harsh reality. Andrew was transferred to Sakran, a high-security prison, where conditions were significantly worse than Harmandali. He was placed in a crowded cell with men accused of terror crimes, facing constant noise, lack of privacy, and strict rules. The guards were intimidating, and he was denied access to his Bible and visits from Norine, intensifying his isolation and fear.

Faith under pressure. The spiritual atmosphere in the cell was dominated by his Muslim cellmates' intense religious practices, which sometimes made Andrew feel even more isolated in his faith. He struggled with despair, suicidal thoughts, and the fear of losing his sanity or faith. He felt like a failure compared to persecuted Christians he admired, questioning why God had put him in a situation that seemed designed to break him.

Small victories. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Andrew found small ways to cope and fight back. He received smuggled notes and a prayer book from Norine, which became precious lifelines. He began to discipline himself to declare basic truths about God and his identity in Christ. He also started receiving medication for his severe anxiety, which helped cap the panic and allowed him moments of clearer thought.

7. A New Trajectory: Choosing to Follow

Whatever you do or do not do, I will follow you.

A turning point. After being transferred to Buca, a maximum-security prison that paradoxically offered slightly better conditions and a less crowded cell, Andrew reached a critical point. He realized he couldn't control his circumstances or force his release, but he could control his response. He made a conscious decision to fight for his faith, regardless of his feelings or God's perceived silence.

A defiant declaration. He declared his unwavering commitment to God, stating that he would follow Him even if God didn't speak, didn't show His presence, allowed deception, or left him in prison. This act of will, made in defiance of his fear and despair, marked a significant shift in his spiritual trajectory. He resolved not to give up but to hold on and look to Jesus.

Reclaiming life. In Buca, with slightly more space and quiet, Andrew began to reclaim parts of himself. He started writing letters to his children in English, focusing on leaving a legacy of faith. He resumed playing the guitar as a discipline of worship and even began dancing in the courtyard, inspired by a persecuted pastor who chose to rejoice. These acts, though often done without feeling, were powerful declarations of his identity and will to persevere.

8. Facing Absurd Accusations

“Andrew Brunson, there are new charges against you. Attempt to overthrow the government. Attempt to overthrow the constitutional order. Attempt to overthrow the parliament. In addition you are charged with military espionage. The original terrorism charges are still in place. What do you say?”

Escalating charges. After months of detention based on vague accusations, Andrew was suddenly hit with severe new charges via video conference from prison. He was accused of attempting to overthrow the government, the constitutional order, and the parliament, as well as military espionage. These charges, added to the existing terrorism accusations, carried potential life sentences, dramatically raising the stakes.

Political maneuvering. The timing of these charges, just before a planned US-Turkey summit, suggested they were politically motivated, designed to increase Turkey's leverage. The indictment, later revealed to be based on flimsy evidence and secret witnesses, was described by his lawyer as sloppy and bizarre, linking him to shadowy organizations and outlandish conspiracy theories.

Targeted for faith. The indictment made it clear that Andrew was being targeted specifically because of his Christian faith and missionary work, framing "Christianization" as a form of terrorism aimed at fragmenting Turkey. Despite the absurdity of the charges, the Turkish government and media presented them as fact, further solidifying his image as a dangerous enemy of the state.

9. The Farce of the Trial

“They don’t have to provide any evidence to support what they’re saying. Their testimony is evidence.”

A rigged system. Andrew's trial took place in a makeshift courtroom at Sakran prison, designed to intimidate and disorient. The judges and prosecutor appeared uninterested in a fair process, often ignoring Andrew and his lawyer. The trial was characterized by a lack of due process, with the burden of proof placed on Andrew to prove his innocence against unsubstantiated claims.

False witnesses. The prosecution relied heavily on secret witnesses whose identities were protected, preventing effective cross-examination. These witnesses presented outlandish and contradictory testimony, accusing Andrew of everything from leading Mormon churches to coordinating PKK attacks and military espionage. Despite clear evidence discrediting witnesses, including one with multiple fraud convictions, the judge accepted their testimony as fact.

No logic or reason. Andrew and his lawyer, Cem, attempted to present evidence refuting the accusations, such as phone records and publicly available information. However, the judge dismissed their efforts, stating that the witnesses' assertions alone constituted evidence. This blatant disregard for legal principles highlighted the political nature of the trial, where the outcome seemed predetermined regardless of the facts presented.

10. Declaring Truth in the Courtroom

Blessed am I, because for the sake of Jesus many people have wronged me, have persecuted me, and I am now suffering.

A platform for faith. Despite the frustration and injustice of the trial, Andrew chose to use the courtroom as a platform to declare his faith. In his defense, he clearly stated his sole purpose in Turkey was to proclaim Jesus Christ, explaining the core tenets of Christianity and emphasizing forgiveness. He named his accusers and witnesses, stating that he forgave them, leaving them to God's mercy.

Embracing suffering. Drawing strength from Scripture and the example of persecuted Christians, Andrew declared his willingness to suffer for Jesus' sake. He spoke of the privilege of standing in the long line of those persecuted for their faith. He defied the government's attempt to crush him by declaring himself "blessed" for the suffering, separation from family, lies, and imprisonment he endured for Christ.

Holy defiance. His powerful statement, delivered with conviction despite his inner turmoil, was an act of holy defiance against a system designed to break him and silence his message. It was a declaration of his identity in Christ and a testament to the depth of his devotion, showing that even in the face of injustice, his ultimate allegiance was to Jesus.

11. Unexpected Release to House Arrest

“Priest Brunson released to house arrest for health reasons.”

A sudden turn. On July 25, 2018, after 22 months in prison, Andrew was unexpectedly informed he was being released to house arrest for "health reasons." This came as a complete surprise, as he had been pacing the courtyard just moments before, still battling fear and despair. He quickly gathered his belongings, leaving most behind, and was processed out of Buca prison.

Home, but not free. He was driven back to his apartment in Izmir, escorted by a convoy and trailed by media. Reunited with Norine, they knelt and thanked God. He was fitted with an ankle bracelet and confined to the apartment, guarded by police. While out of prison, he was still a prisoner, unable to fully rejoice as his freedom remained conditional and uncertain.

A broken deal. News reports revealed his release was linked to a failed deal between the US and Turkey. President Trump had helped secure the return of a Turkish citizen from another country, expecting Andrew's release in return. However, Turkey increased its demands at the last minute, asking for the US investigation into Halkbank to be dropped. Andrew's house arrest was Erdogan's attempt to de-escalate after Trump's angry reaction to the broken agreement.

12. The "Brunson Crisis" and International Pressure

The Economist called me “the world’s most expensive prisoner.” The Turkish media called it “The Brunson Crisis.”

Escalating pressure. Following Andrew's release to house arrest and Turkey's continued refusal to fully release him, the US government increased pressure. President Trump publicly called Andrew a "hostage" and threatened sanctions. When Turkey did not yield, the US imposed sanctions on two Turkish ministers and doubled tariffs on Turkish steel and aluminum, severely impacting the Turkish economy.

Economic fallout. The US actions triggered a dramatic drop in the Turkish lira and stock market, leading to widespread economic hardship. The Turkish media dubbed the situation "The Brunson Crisis," blaming Andrew and the US for the economic turmoil. Andrew became a symbol of the conflict, facing increased hostility and security concerns, confined to his apartment under heavy guard.

A global prayer movement. Throughout his imprisonment and house arrest, a massive, supernatural prayer movement grew around the world. Norine tirelessly shared his story, and Christians across continents, from Vanuatu to China, prayed and fasted for his release. This global family of God became a source of immense encouragement, reminding Andrew that he was not alone and that God was actively working, even if the political situation remained volatile and uncertain.

Last updated: May 31, 2025