47Kyrgyzstan
In Kyrgyzstan, local authorities have considerable power and tend to be under the influence of the local Muslim community. This has strong repercussions, especially for converts to Christianity.
Russian Orthodox churches experience the fewest problems from the government as they don’t usually attempt to evangelise the Kyrgyz population. Communities of believers that do reach out to share the Gospel can come under pressure and even attack.
Local Christians who’ve converted from Islam bear the brunt of persecution. Some converts are locked up for long periods by their families and beaten. Local Islamic teachers preach against conversion, leading some converts to be expelled from their communities.
Meet Jena and Relinda
“Sisters in Christ Jena and her sister Relinda are believers in a small village. Since people found out that they believe in Jesus, persecution has begun and does not end in any way … fellow villagers are forbidden to communicate with them. [The villagers] threaten to burn down their house.”
An Open Doors local contact on Jena and Relinda (names changed)
What does Open Doors do to help?
Open Doors strengthens the Church in Central Asia by providing relief aid, Bibles, ministry training, prayer support, vocational training and business microloans, as well as projects such as rehabilitation centres.
Please pray
- Pray for faith and strength for Christians persecuted by their families, government and villages.
- Pray for safety for Christians who’ve fled their homes and for continued growth in their faith.
- Ask God to change the hearts of the Kyrgyz people toward Christians.