Central Asia (Mission Eurasia) — Did you know that Christians are experiencing persecution in more countries of the world today than followers of any other religion?
This is certainly true in Central Asia where it is becoming more and more dangerous to practice Christianity. In fact, four of the five Central Asian countries where Mission Eurasia works are listed on the Open Doors World Watch List for 2015, including Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Kazakhstan, and Tajikistan.
Persecution is also a terrible reality for many other countries of Eurasia, such as Ukraine, where evangelicals have been abducted, tortured, and murdered for their faith during the ongoing war with pro-Russian separatists.
As believers, we know that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Eph. 6:12).
Please join Mission Eurasia in prayer for the following persecuted believers the ministry supports, and for other needs of the persecuted church in Eurasia. Please pray for:
(Photo from Mission Eurasia – Screenshot)
Tohar Haydarov, a young believer from Uzbekistan, who converted from Islam and was then sentenced to 10 years in prison on fabricated charges.
(Photo from Mission Eurasia – Screenshot)
Ykylas Kabduakasov, an evangelist from Astana, Kazakhstan, who was arrested for “religious extremism.” In reality, he was being persecuted for sharing the gospel with his Muslim coworkers and friends. He is now facing up to 10 years in prison.
(Photo from Mission Eurasia – Screenshot)
Dmitry Shestakov, a pastor from Uzbekistan who escaped religious persecution three years ago by fleeing to Kiev, Ukraine, with his wife and three daughters. If no Western nations are able to grant asylum to the Shestakov family, then the Ukrainian authorities may deport them back to Uzbekistan.
(Photo from Mission Eurasia – Screenshot)
Karim Kashkumbayev, a pastor from Astana, Kazakhstan. He escaped arrest two years ago by fleeing to the US, where he is now living in exile, away from his wife and four young children.
• Churches in Central Asia, that they would continue to grow and fearlessly share the gospel, even though they face many challenges in this predominantly Muslim region.
• Churches in rebel-occupied areas in eastern Ukraine, that they would continue to share the Good News, despite the persecution they are suffering at the hands of pro-Russian military groups.
• Christians throughout Eurasia, as religious persecution is increasing and the number of persecuted Christian leaders is growing. Pray that God would strengthen them, and give them courage to proclaim the gospel, no matter their circumstances.
• Mission Eurasia, as we strive to aid persecuted Christians and promote religious freedom in Eurasia through our Religious Freedom Initiative(RFI). Pray that God would provide opportunities, partnerships, and resources for us to grow this ministry.
If you would like to give to Mission Eurasia’s Religious Freedom Initiative, please click here and select RFI from the dropdown menu.
