Kazakhstan
Pastor Charged for Praying
The government of KAZAKHSTAN, which has a “one nation—one religion” policy, recently called for greater suppression of what it calls “extremist religious ideology” that poses “a threat to citizens’ lives and health.” A pastor was charged this summer and could face two years in prison for supposedly harming a man’s health by praying for him.
Pray that the charges will be dropped. “For there is none like You, and there is no God besides You.”
Pastor Faces Charges for Prayer
While officials say “there is no persecution in KAZAKHSTAN,” churches are denied the opportunity to meet legally, and a pastor was imprisoned for praying for a dying woman. At her request, he laid hands on her and prayed. He was accused of “causing severe damage to health due to negligence,” and is in danger of losing his freedom and livelihood.
Hope in Darkness
Believers see hope coming in KYRGYZSTAN. Young people are restless and are beginning to see religion as a choice rather than a matter of birth and tradition. They are questioning Islam and Christianity.
Pray that their hearts will be turned towards Jesus and that they will see the emptiness of Islam. "Now then make confession to the LORD, the God of your fathers, and do His will."
Pastor May Be Deported
February 2, 2010
A Christian in KAZAKHSTAN successfully appealed a deportation order. Yet another such decree has been given. He may be forced to leave the country any day--leaving behind his wife and six children.
Pray that his work in the country will not be undone and that he will not be forced to leave. "Whatever is decreed by the God of heaven, let it be done in full for the house of the God of heaven."
Pastor Threatened with Deportation
As punishment for leading a worship service in his home, a pastor in KAZAKHSTAN is being threatened with deportation.
Pray that he will not be forced to leave his congregation and family. "By faith he went to live in the land of promise, as in a foreign land."
Family Man and Pastor Deported
A Christian in KAZAKHSTAN is being deported for "unregistered missionary activity." He was given no warning, and is leaving behind his wife and five children. What dangerous activity requires such severe and immediate punishment? He preached a sermon in a church.
Pray that the evangelist will soon be allowed to return to his country and family. "For you have not come to what may be touched, a blazing fire and darkness and gloom and a tempest."
Law Bans Christianity
December 14, 2009
Without any international attention, KAZAKHSTAN has passed a law that will make practicing Christianity almost impossible. The law provides severe penalties for any religious action that has not been approved by the government.
Pray for these oppressed believers as they try to live out their faith while honoring their God-given authorities. "But you, O LORD, reign forever; Your throne endures to all generations."
No Rights for Christians
November 16, 2009
KAZAKHSTAN has established laws that will allow them to punish those that practice Christianity. The law allows for temporary or permanent bans on all religious activity, as well as fines in excess of 300 times the usual monthly wage.
Pray that the Christians will have great wisdom as they seek to stay faithful and obey the laws of their country. "Great is Your faithfulness."
Christian Children Interrogated
Islamic government officials in KAZAKHSTAN invaded a church. They detained members for questioning, even interrogating the children. They even tried to force one member to become their spy. When she refused to cooperate, she was fired from her job and severely fined. At the sentencing, an imam helped advise the judge.
Pray that this church's witness will only be enhanced as a result of this persecution. "The heavens were opened, and I saw visions of God."
Pastor Fined for Preaching
A pastor in KAZAKHSTAN was jailed for refusing to pay a fine for unregistered worship--an action that is not legally a crime. Another registered church in the area was raided and disbanded and the pastor prosecuted for engaging in religious activity in a different region.
Pray for these harassed Christians that they will find ways to meet and have fellowship despite poorly defined and strictly enforced laws. "The righteous shall live by faith."
Rejoice in Suffering
Christians in Kazakhstan face verbal abuse, cut salaries, or joblessness because of their faith. But they rejoice. Several even held a celebration. "We have been Christians for five years, and we are so excited that God counts us worthy to be able to suffer for Him."
Pray that many more will come to the Savior as these passionate men and women share what they have found. "Singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God."
Kazakhstan: Christian center shut down
Officials temporarily shut down a Christian-run drug and alcohol rehabilitation center in Kazakhstan and fined the director for conducting "religious measures without state registration" because residents were singing hymns together. Further infractions could lead to permanent closure.
Pray that Christians will continue to find ways to serve and minister in Jesus' name. "According to the stewardship from God that was given to me for you."
Kazakh religious restrictions ruled unconstitutional
Update: Kazakhstan's highly restrictive religious law (2/8) was rejected by the Constitutional Council.
Praise God for this answer to prayer! Pray that He will continue to protect the freedom of His people to share and worship. "...holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God."
Kazakh religious restrictions ruled unconstitutional
Update: Kazakhstan's highly restrictive religious law (2/8) was rejected by the Constitutional Council.
Praise God for this answer to prayer! Pray that He will continue to protect the freedom of His people to share and worship. "...holding fast to the Head, from whom the whole body, nourished and knit together through its joints and ligaments, grows with a growth that is from God."
Imam-turned-pastor prosecuted
A former imam in Kazakhstan -- now a Christian pastor -- has been charged with "spreading religious animosity and discord" for comments that were deemed insulting to Muslims, even though no Muslims were present and no one complained.
Pray that he will be freed to continue his work, and that he will bear great fruit for the Kingdom of God. "I will make the fruit of the tree and the increase of the field abundant, that you may never again suffer the disgrace of famine among the nations."
More religious restrictions in Kazakhstan
Kazakhstan's parliament has sent a restrictive new law on religions to the president for final review. He has previously said that he is uncomfortable with the idea of missionaries in Kazakhstan.
Pray that somehow this law will be overturned, and that Christians will have freedom to live and preach the Gospel. "Then you shall know that I am the LORD; I have spoken, and I will do it, declares the LORD."
Pastors fined in Kazakhstan
Pastors in Kazakhstan have again been fined heavily for leading unregistered churches. One had to pay 100 times the country's minimum monthly wage.
Please make special intercession for believers as the government considers an even harsher religion law. "And the sound of the wings of the cherubim was heard as far as the outer court, like the voice of God Almighty when he speaks."
Pastor harassed
Kazakh officials phoned a pastor several times a day for four days, asking questions about his church. The congregation has been told to re-register, which is next to impossible because they do not currently own a building. When asked why the pastor was questioned, a secret police officer said the congregation was in danger of being targeted by Islamic militants.
