Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan is a secular state that promotes a moderate expression of Islam. Legislation and government actions have limited the influence of Islamist groups but also restricted the freedoms of Uzbek Christians. One terrorist group, the Islamic Movement of Uzbekistan, is infiltrating neighboring Kyrgyzstan and Tajikistan.
Churches are shut down for capricious reasons and numerous pastors have been arrested. Children especially are being “protected” from Christian influence. Not long ago a minister was accused of unlawfully teaching Christianity to children. He was fined many times the usual monthly salary and banned from holding any responsible position for three years. Apparently, the trial was rigged. The parents of the children in question have testified that investigators told them what to say in testimony and that they gave permission for the Christians to teach their children.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Uzbekistan
Home Raided, Bibles Seized
Earlier this year in UZBEKISTAN, police raided a Christian family’s home, assaulted the husband, and confiscated what they called “banned religious literature”—which included the New Testament and the Bible as a whole.
The family is accused of illegal missionary activity among local Muslims. Pray that they will stand strong in the Lord. “For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and His ears are open to their prayer.”
Imprisoned Pastor Released
After being imprisoned for four years in a labor camp, a pastor in UZBEKISTAN was reunited with his wife and daughters in January. Before his arrest, he was active in ministry outreach to Muslims. Police now have him under severe “administrative supervision” restrictions.
Ask God to encourage him and enable him to return to the ministry. “Do not fear what you are about to suffer.”
Children in the Persecuted Church
Normally we tend to think of the persecuted church as comprising adult believers, but children can be equally hit by persecution, and their stories can be especially heartbreaking. A surprising number of the persecution incidents that Smyrna uncovered this past month (and that will be in the March prayer guide) involve kids and teens.
Prison Sentence for Believer
Two Christians in Karakalpakstan, an autonomous republic in UZBEKISTAN, were given 10-day prison sentences this summer for their religious activity. One had already been dismissed from his job because he would not renounce his faith. Although Karakalpakstan has a population of over one million, only one state-approved church is allowed to operate alongside the state-registered Muslim communities.
Officials Raid Church
The government of UZBEKISTAN promotes a moderate expression of Islam but restricts the freedom of Christians. Recently officials raided a legally registered church, fined or imprisoned various members, and confiscated Christian books and offertory money. A court ordered that the books be destroyed. The police sealed the building, and officials cut off electricity.
Pray that the congregation will not lose heart, and that their faithfulness will be a witness to the Muslim community. “And my tongue will talk of Your righteous help all the day long.”
Christians Fined and Bibles Confiscated
In UZBEKISTAN 13 members of an unregistered church were each fined 100 times the minimum monthly salary. They and other Christians have had Bibles confiscated. A judge declared that Bibles “must also be registered with the State Committee, and if they are not they will be destroyed once found.”
Pray that the fines will be dropped. “Do not cease to cry out to the LORD our God for us.”
Fabricated Charges against Christian
A man in UZBEKISTAN was sentenced to ten years in prison for fabricated charges after he refused to renounce his faith. Fellow believers hired a lawyer for him, but neither they nor the lawyer were permitted into the courtroom during the defense.
Pray that God will give him courage to persevere. “But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.”
Man Arrested, Women Beaten
Authorities in UZBEKISTAN arrested a church leader and two women at a private prayer meeting. The women were beaten and threatened with torture.
Pray that God will protect these Christians and will make them more than conquerors in Christ Jesus. “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
Christian Youths Interrogated
Teaching religious beliefs privately, without special education, or without permission is illegal in UZBEKISTAN. Police interrogated the youth in one church and demanded from them a list of church members who taught the Bible. Authorities fined three Christians for teaching religion in a private home.
Pray that God will protect those who teach his Word. “Know therefore today, and lay it to your heart, that the LORD is God in heaven above and on earth beneath.”
Children in Uzbekistan Pressured
A TV station in UZBEKISTAN slandered Christians. Shortly afterward, schools summoned Christian parents and forced their children to promise not to attend church.
Pray that these believers will find strength in God and will seek to honor Him despite opposition. “But from there you will seek the LORD your God and you will find Him, if you search after him with all your heart and with all your soul.”