Kyrgyzstan
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!”
Coup Creates Islamist Danger
A recent coup in KYRGYZSTAN has left the future of Christians there uncertain. One missions worker says that although his discipleship outreach initiative was put on hold during the coup, he hopes that the change in government will lead to a repeal of the country’s restrictive religion laws. The change of government, however, may also allow more radical Muslims fill the place of government-sponsored Islam.
Christian Deported
A Christian worker in KYRGYZSTAN was accused of “illegal religious activity” and compelled to leave the country.
Pray his church will not be discouraged and that he will soon be allowed to re-enter the country. “Who walk not according to the flesh but according to the Spirit.”
Crackdown on Evangelism
Evangelism is becoming increasingly difficult in KYRGYZSTAN. Those who preach the name of Christ are in constant danger of being deported. One pastor has been told to report to officials and to bring his passport-a sign of imminent deportation.
Pray that this pastor will not be deported and that other Christian leaders will be able to continue in ministry. "Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness."
Muslim Officials Given Authority to Close Churches
A new decree has been sent out in KYRGYZSTAN. Churches not only have to provide extensive documentation to be registered, but now there is a Council that has been given authority to shut down any "radical" or "extremist" group. Unfortunately, these terms are not legally defined.
Pray that this Council will not make it impossible for believers to gather. "Son of man, stand on your feet, and I will speak with you."
Prayer Meetings Forbidden
Muslim authorities in KYRGYZSTAN are increasing their persecution of Christians. First, churches were banned, now police are forbidding Christians to meet for simple prayer.
Oh Lord, comfort your people as they must seek your face alone, and work in the hearts of the government so they can meet together in your name again. "Wherever the Spirit would go, they went, without turning as they went."
Government Tightens Regulations for Churches
A church in KYRGYZSTAN was shut down because it was not the required distance from a mosque. Congregational meetings are becoming increasingly difficult in this country. The government is looking for any reason to close churches and discourage Christians.
Pray that the believers will be able to worship and be obedient to the governing authorities. "For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword."
Many Children Accept Christ
At a camp in KYRGYZSTAN, many children accepted Christ and hundreds more were strengthened in their faith.
Thank God for the eagerness of these young converts. "Say to your brothers, 'You are my people,' and to your sisters, 'You have received mercy.'"
Blameless Pastor Exiled
A missionary in KYRGYZSTAN was told he must leave the country. He had done nothing to deserve such banishment--no complaints had been made against him and he had filed all the proper paperwork with the Ministry of Religion.
Pray that he will soon be able to rejoin his family in the country. "You made him for a little while lower than the angels; you have crowned him with glory and honor."
Congregation Scattered
A pastor in KYRGYZSTAN has been fined and his congregation has been forbidden to meet. Pray for this congregation that they will continue to be able to hear and be instructed in the Word of God. "For in it the righteousness of God is revealed from faith to faith."
Christians Threatened with Eviction
Recently, in the KYRGYZ REPUBLIC, government authorities have increased pressure on foreign Christians who serve in roles such as teachers and aid workers. A number of long term residents have been deported.
Please pray for favor with government officials, that families will not be uprooted or separated from each other, and that ongoing work may continue with increased fruitfulness. "I will put my trust in Him."
Restrictive New Laws in Kyrgyzstan
A new religious law went into effect in Kyrgyzstan in January. The law has three focuses: restrictions on sharing faith, restrictions on distributing any religious literature, and the requirement that a church have 200 members before it is allowed to meet. Officials from the Prosecutor's Office, Police, National Security Service, secret police, local Executive Authorities, and the State Agency for Religious Affairs have been rigorously investigating religious communities. Worse, they are taking action.
Two Churches Seized
Two church buildings have been seized under Kyrgyzatan's new religion law.
Oh God, help and uphold Your people! "I will restore the fortunes of my people... and they shall rebuild the ruined cities and inhabit them."
Religious restrictions in Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan has just passed a restrictive new religious law. Pray for minority Christian groups, who will have difficulty operating and may be prohibited from evangelistic activities. "Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom."
New religious restrictions coming to Kyrgyzstan?
Kyrgyzstan's parliament unanimously passed a restrictive new religion law. If the president signs it, a church will need 200 members to receive registration.
Pray for freedom of witness and worship. "And I, the LORD, will be their God, and my servant David shall be prince among them."
No burial for Christians
When a youth in Kyrgyzstan died, his family brought him to the graveyard set aside for Christian use. But about 30 Muslims with spades and other implements interrupted the ceremony. They refused to let him be buried -- unless the family renounced their faith and accepted Islam. Eventually they were forced to bury their son some 30 miles away.
O Lord, bring help and hope to Your people! "Salvation belongs to the LORD."
