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Tajikistan
Most churches in Tajikistan have been forced to meet covertly for more than a decade, following the revocation of their registration. Economic hardship in the nation has forced many pastors and church leaders to seek work in Russia to support their families. Tajikistan lacks basic infrastructure, and its difficulties are compounded by corruption and the opium trade. The country has experienced an influx of refugees from Afghanistan and has the Taliban at its border.
Major Religion
Nearly all Tajiks are Sunni Muslims. Less than 1 percent are Christians.
Persecutor
Christian converts from Islam are persecuted by family members, and unregistered churches are increasingly harassed by the government.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN TAJIKISTAN
New Christian converts receive the harshest treatment. Believers are sometimes beaten and abused, and they are frequently summoned for questioning by the secret police. Many churches meet openly, but government informants are often in attendance. It is illegal to teach children about Christ. The government restricts evangelism and the distribution of Christian literature, which it considers “extremist literature.” Still, many have left Islam to follow Christ in recent years despite the extreme opposition.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are available only in select cities, making them scarce and difficult for some believers to access. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM supports local churches, which often face government pressure. We also provide Bibles, Christian literature and ministry tools to equip believers for outreach. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Tajikistan
- Christians have been arrested, fined, jailed and even killed for their faith. Pray for courage among believers.
- Pray that more Christians in Tajikistan will have access to Bibles in their language.
- Tajik parents can lose their children for teaching them about Christ. Pray for protection for Christian families.
- Pray for Tajik parents to find creative means of teaching their children about Christ as doing so is illegal.
- Pray for churches to be protected from Islamic extremists and government interference.
