Kyrgyzstan
Traditionally a Muslim country, Kyrgyzstan is erecting bureaucratic obstacles to Christian worship. All churches must register in exacting detail. In order to legally exist, a church must have a minimum of 200 members. Most new congregations do not have sufficient numbers to meet legal requirements. Foreign pastors in particular are kept under close observation and can be deported at a moment’s notice. Conversion from Islam is counted as a betrayal of both the family and the state.
Militant Muslims are migrating to the country in great numbers. In an effort to appease them, the government is contemplating banning all churches.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Kyrgyzstan
Christian Refused Burial
In KYRGYZSTAN, Muslim villagers and an Imam insisted that a Christian’s body be dug up two days after his burial. They said the believer had been buried in a plot that is considered to be “Muslim.”
Ask God to comfort the grieving family. “For He Himself is our peace.”
Family Threatened Repeatedly
Muslims threatened physical violence against a grieving family in KYRGYZSTAN. They blocked the burial of a Christian’s body in his own village and in two other villages. The family was forced to bury him over 100 miles from their home. The widow and children have been threatened repeatedly, blocked from grazing their cattle, and forced to leave their village.
Ask God to comfort them. “For through Him we...have access in one Spirit to the Father.”
Christians Not Allowed to Farm
Muslims threaten that Christian farmers in a village in KYRGYZSTAN will not be allowed to farm.
Ask God to encourage and provide for the believers. “So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.”
Muslims Call for Jihad
In KYRGYZSTAN, Muslims are leaving literature in stores calling for jihad in the name of Allah.
Pray that God will protect Kyrgyz believers and enable them to spread the Gospel. “...I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people...”
Woman Persecuted by Family
A Muslim background believer in KYRGYZSTAN is being strongly pressured by her husband and relatives to return to Islam. She has been beaten and threatened.
Pray that God will strengthen her. Pray also that He will soften the hearts of her family. “...I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.”
Woman Persecuted by Family
A Muslim background believer in KYRGYZSTAN is being strongly pressured by her husband and relatives to return to Islam. She has been beaten and threatened.
Pray that God will strengthen her. Pray also that He will soften the hearts of her family. “...I remember you constantly in my prayers night and day.”
Pastor Attacked with Ax
As groups of Muslims war against each other in KYRGYZSTAN, Muslim background Believers who try to help victims are in danger. A man with an ax almost cut off the arm of a pastor who was distributing aid.
Thank God that the Muslim mob released him and that he had the opportunity to share his faith. “Ascribe power to God, whose majesty is over Israel, and whose power is in the skies.”
Islam Influencing New Government
UPDATE: KYRGYZSTAN is in the process of developing a new constitution. Some fear that Islam will become the state religion and that an Islamic political party could generate radical Islamic activity and terrorism.
Pray that Islam will not deepen its roots in Kyrgyzstan, and that Christians will have freedom to serve Christ. “Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens.”
Islam Influencing New Government
UPDATE: KYRGYZSTAN is in the process of developing a new constitution. Some fear that Islam will become the state religion and that an Islamic political party could generate radical Islamic activity and terrorism.
Pray that Islam will not deepen its roots in Kyrgyzstan, and that Christians will have freedom to serve Christ. “Your righteousness, O God, reaches the high heavens.”
Girl Beaten by Classmate
Christian school children in KYRGYZSTAN face oppression from Muslim teachers and exclusion from their classmates. One young girl was severely beaten by a fellow student. Her parents are uncertain how to deal with the oppression and properly educate their child.
Pray that God will give them wisdom, and that the abused girl will know how precious she is in God’s sight. “In You, O LORD, do I take refuge; let me never be put to shame!”