The overhaul of Kyrgyzstan’s medical system bears fruit.

Kyrgyzstan (MNN)–Following independence in 1992, the Kyrgyz government asked for help in retooling their Soviet medical system. They needed family practice physicians and other medical personnel.

The government invited Christian doctors in to help establish a family practice medical system to replace the Soviet-style medical specialty health care system. Norman and Jacque Friberg helped establish and administer the program.

Interserve Partner Jacque Friberg says as expatriate believers tackled the issue, they found that the retraining courses caught on…and so did something else. “Many of the trainees became involved in small Bible studies outside of work. They came to faith in Christ, and now they have even started a Christian medical society.”

Friberg attributes the day-to-day living of the Christian mentors for the rapid growth of the church. She says fellowships are cropping up in many areas. “Much of this growth is fueled by these expatriate Christians serving as teachers in universities, or through compassionate programs, or training them in small business, or even developing church leaders in several small Bible schools there.”