Kyrgyzstan (MNN) — An apparent violent Revolution has taken place in the former Soviet Republic of Kyrgyzstan. Thousands of protesters took to the streets protesting high energy costs and government corruption.
According to reports, President Bakiyev reportedly fled the capital on his plane, while the opposition declared it was forming its own government.
How is it affecting the evangelical church? Joel Griffith with Slavic Gospel Association says, "It seems to be more political than religious in some of the anti-government opposition taking place, but these things have ripple effects that are unforeseen. That's certainly a prayer, that it would not affect evangelical churches."
The situation is fluid. Bakiyev became the president in 2005 in what was called The Tulip Revolution. Since he's taken office, the economy has taken a turn for the worse and corruption has been rampant.
The Bakiyev government was responsible for proposing religion laws restricting religious freedom. "Kyrgyzstan was noticed for having a a relatively light hand on evangelical churches, but we've seen just numerous efforts to crack down."
Griffith says, "Right now we want to be in prayer for the evangelical churches. They're certainly under pressure enough in Kyrgyzstan and these other republics. We need to be praying that Lord would protect them and sustain them in the midst of this and give them opportunities for the Gospel in the midst of the unrest."
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