Kyrgyzstan (MNN) — Kyrgyzstan's interim leaders are trying
to control a deadly wave of ethnic unrest touched off by the President's
ouster.
Kurmanbek Bakiyev was deposed in a street revolt two weeks ago.
From exile in Belarus, he remained
defiant and said he is still president.
Since then, ethnic Russians have been the victims of
targeted attacks and illegal property seizures in recent days. On Wednesday, supporters of Kyrgyzstan's
interim government clashed with followers of the deposed president.
Although there is some order, Tom Dudenhofer with Audio Scripture Ministries says there are pockets of chaos. "The people that were
engaged in the actual revolution have now become squatters. So, there's going
to be some more conflict."
They have an evangelistic ministry partner in the area. Right now, their work is still moving
forward. "They believe that God is still in control, and their particular
ministry has not been threatened yet."
However, Dudenhofer says the uncertainties are
stressful. Keep praying for open doors.
"Their main goal is probably going to be just to keep out of the way, keep
a low profile, ask God for wisdom as they make their decisions. They really don't know what's ahead either.
I think the uncertainty is probably as great a stress as is some of the
violence."
ASM is also praying for positive change for religious freedom. Several of their partner evangelists face
deportation because of their ministry.
According to Voice of the Martyrs Canada, religion in
Kyrgyzstan is often strongly associated with ethnicity. Ethnic Kyrgyz and
Uzbeks are typically assumed to be Muslim, whereas ethnic Russians are
considered Christian. This can cause added problems for Muslims who desire to
convert to Christianity.
Pray for church leaders to effectively disciple believers
and equip them to stand strong in their faith despite opposition.
