A Ministry of The Spirit of RevivalThe Presence of GodThe Love of GodThe Power of GodThe Glory of GodThe Word Of God
Our Story
The River at Istanbul was founded by Pastors Corey and Rose Erman, who were called by God to ignite revival in Turkey and beyond. In 1999, they established Turkish Revival Ministries (TRM) and launched a mission base in Istanbul that includes River Istanbul Church, River School of Ministry, and TRM Media, reaching people through teaching, training, and Gospel broadcasting.
Since then, they have carried the fire of revival to more than 25 nations, impacting thousands through powerful ministry, leadership training, and church planting. The River at Istanbul continues to be a place where the Word and the Spirit unite, transforming lives, equipping believers, and spreading God’s presence across the nations.
Vision And Mission
The River at Istanbul also known as Turkish Revival Ministries, is a ministry of the Word and the Spirit of Revival. Our vision is to see one million souls brought into the Kingdom of God through evangelism, equipping, and church planting. We are driven by a passion to see lives transformed by the power of the Holy Spirit, nations awakened to God’s glory, and the Church strengthened to fulfill the Great Commission in our generation.
Our mission is to bring revival to the Church and to mobilize the Body of Christ for the end-time harvest. We are committed to equipping believers with the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, enabling them to walk in their divine callings with boldness and fruitfulness. Through evangelism, discipleship, and the planting of vibrant churches, we aim to raise and release Ephesians 4:11 ministries — apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers — to build up the Body of Christ and advance God’s Kingdom on earth.
Meet Our Pastors
Pastors Corey and Rose Erman
Pastors Corey and Rose Erman started out in ministry in 1996 and founded Turkish Revival Ministries in 1999 to fulfill the vision birthed by God in their hearts to bring revival to the nation of Turkey and the regions beyond. In December 1999, they established a mission base in Istanbul, Turkey consisting of River Istanbul Church, River Bible Institute of Turkey and TRM Media for broadcasting the Gospel over TV and Internet. They have travelled to 25 nations carrying revival, impacting thousands of people, raising up hundreds of believers and ministers through their training programs and establishing many churches and Bible Schools in the nations.
Pastors Godwill and Priscillia Ogbolu
Pastors Godwill and Priscillia Ogbolu serve together as the Senior Pastors of The River Istanbul Church. United by a deep passion for God’s presence and people, they lead with vision, compassion, and a heart for revival in the city of Istanbul and beyond. Together, they also host the All African Conference, an annual gathering that empowers Africans in the diaspora to walk in purpose, power, and unity. Their ministry as a couple reflects a strong commitment to building a thriving, Spirit-filled church where lives are transformed by the Word of God.
Pastor Godwill Ogbolu
Pastor Godwill Ogbolu, born in Lagos, Nigeria, is a gifted teacher of the Word with a unique ability to make deep spiritual truths simple and practical. He holds a Master’s degree in Theology and carries a strong apostolic call to take God’s saving power to the nations. His first book, Characteristics of a Healthy Church, has impacted many and stands as a gem of biblical insight and practical wisdom. Alongside his pastoral work, he is passionate about leadership development and equipping believers to live victorious Christian lives.
Pastor Priscillia Ogbolu
Pastor Priscillia Ogbolu is a dynamic woman of the Word and a passionate leader who oversees several ministries within the church, including the Women’s Ministry, Kids Ministry, Outreach Team, and Prayer Team. She also hosts the annual Women’s Conference at The River Istanbul, inspiring women to rise up, walk in their divine purpose, and become virtuous vessels in the hands of God. Her heart is to see women empowered by the Holy Spirit to impact their families, communities, and the world for Christ.
Pastors Hamdi and Leyla Erman
Pastors Hamdi and Leyla Erman are the oldest and most seasoned pastors at The River Istanbul Church. Both are proud graduates of the River Bible Institute and hold Ph.D. degrees from the River School of Ministry. Their lives stand as a beautiful testimony of longevity, faithfulness, and consistency in their walk with the Lord.
As true “warehouses of wisdom,” Pastors Hamdi and Leyla carry a wealth of experience and spiritual insight that continues to bless and guide the church family. Their journey is living proof that God restores the years and strengthens His servants to remain fruitful in every season of life.
They embody the truth that one can serve God wholeheartedly into their later years without losing passion or strength. Their unwavering devotion and gentle leadership continue to inspire generations to love, trust, and serve the Lord faithfully.