29Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a former soviet state, and it’s still ruled by an authoritarian government that heavily monitors the population – especially religious groups.
There are many restrictions to how Christians can live out their faith in Turkmenistan. Printing or importing Christian materials, holding unofficial meetings, or even downloading Christian songs can result in a fine or a worse punishment. Christian leaders are the most closely observed. Even the country’s historical Russian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic churches can find their Sunday services being monitored.
The majority of people in Turkmenistan are Muslims – people who become Christians from this background are at risk of being shamed, harassed, disinherited or even beaten by their family, friends or community.
Meet Zaida
“I can’t live without Jesus. I can’t deny Him, even if it means being persecuted. God gives me the comfort and desire to pray even more for my relatives and community who don’t yet know Jesus.”
Zaida (name changed), a woman who came to faith in Central Asia and is now threatened by her own son.
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 that God would protect and sustain Christians converts from Islam.
- Pray that leaders living under surveillance will be able to lead God’s people despite the dangers.
- Pray that the authorities will see that Christians are an asset to society rather than a threat.