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Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan is a remote mountainous nation with a nomadic tribal culture. It is also one of the poorest former Soviet states in Central Asia. A significant portion of the population has left to work elsewhere, and life in Kyrgyzstan is hard. After decades of Communist rule, most Kyrgyz have returned to their nation’s pre-Communist Islamic cultural identity.
Major Religion
93 percent of Kyrgyz are Sunni Muslims. 4 percent of the population are Christians.
Persecutor
Christians are persecuted mostly by family members and their communities, including Muslim religious leaders. Secret police are also known to harass and interrogate believers suspected of evangelism.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN KYRGYZSTAN
Some churches worship openly, even in small towns, but being a Christian is difficult because of Islamic control. Christian converts are commonly threatened and harassed, and the small Christian minority is generally oppressed by society. For example, buses will not stop for those known to be Christians in small communities, and believers have difficulty getting jobs and even purchasing goods. In some communities, Muslim leaders have denied the burial of deceased Christians.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are more accessible in Kyrgyzstan than in other Central Asian nations. They can be purchased at registered churches in larger cities, but they are expensive. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM helps Christian women who are kicked out of their homes for their faith, provides Bibles to believers in multiple ethnic groups and helps believers become self-supporting. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Kyrgyzstan
- Christians are often denied jobs and basic needs. Ask the Lord to meet their every need according to his great love.
- Pray for Christian leaders facing fines and criminal prosecution for the activity of their faith.
- Using Psalm 27:1 as a guide, pray that Kyrgyz Christians will find their stronghold in the Lord.
- Pray for unity among Kyrgyz Christians that will help advance God’s kingdom.
- As the government increases restrictions, pray that Christians will be wise and faithful, not discouraged.
