An Answer to Prayer

Those who receive Smyrna’s prayer guide have been praying for Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev in Turkmenistan for well over a year. In November 2010 we prayed for him when he was denied medical treatment in prison and was being held in an over-crowded cell. In December 2010 we prayed for him after he was given a four-year prison sentence. Then in February 2011 we prayed again when we heard that because of his faith he was denied amnesty. Last summer we prayed for his congregation, which was threatened not to meet. Now we are glad to report that Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev has been freed!

Despite evidence that the “witnesses” against him were lying, Pastor Nurliev was found guilty of swindling in 2010. The verdict against him also stated that “witnesses” had accused him of insulting Islam and Mohammed. While in prison he was not allowed to have a copy of the Bible, even though Muslim imams were allowed copies of the Koran.

His recent release was sudden and unexpected. Only the night before did he learn that he would be granted amnesty. He will continue to face restrictions, and will have to report to the police each week.

Thank you to everyone who has been praying for him! If you would like to find out how you can receive the prayer guide, click here. 

“Then they cried to the LORD in their trouble, and He delivered them from their distress. He brought them out of darkness and the shadow of death, and burst their bonds apart. Let them thank the LORD for His steadfast love, for His wondrous works to the children of man!” –Psalm 107:13-15