“You are the light of the world and give light to everyone.”
In a recent report, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF) pointed out that five countries in Central Asia (Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan, and Uzbekistan) are using anti-extremism laws to suppress peaceful religious activities, online mission news Mission Network News reported.
“These countries suppress all faiths in the name of responding to extremism,” said Eric Mock of the Slavic Gospel Association (SGA), which supports Christian ministries in Central Asia. “This means that all religions, including Christianity, are under tremendous pressure.”
While each country in Central Asia has its own characteristics and circumstances, the Slavic Gospel Association stated that the pressures experienced by their ministry partners because of their faith are intensifying. Eric Mock said, “Based on the reports we receive, the situation is getting more and more complicated. Some pastors have been arrested or taken to police stations to explain their activities.”
“In some churches, law enforcement agencies broke into the church, interrogated each member, and instructed them not to gather again,” he said. Christians, ministers and clergies are facing various challenges in societies where the majority believe in Islam, as well as government censorship and pressure from law enforcement.
Eric Mock said, “When ‘Immanuel’s Child’, programs supported by the Slavic Gospel Association hold events such as Christmas programs, summer camps, and orphanage ministry, they are suffering from persecution from Islamic society and restrictions from the government. In particular, children raised in Muslim families may be forced out of their homes if they accept and stick to their Christian faith.” “None of them is asking me to pray for the end of persecution. Rather, they are praying for themselves to be the channel of light,” Mock said. “We see governmental change and persecution from Islamic groups as obstacles, but people of faith see this as proof that they are revealing Christ in their community.” (Source: GNP Newspaper Edited)
You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. (Matthew 5:14-16)
God, may You grant faith and strength to endure to the churches in five Central Asian countries as they are being subject to government sanctions under the pretence of anti-extremism laws and persecution and enormous oppression as they live in an Islamic state. Lord, they are praying to be used as a vessel for Your light to the world rather than being released from the oppression. Therefore, we pray with them in one heart so they may be used as the light that gives the light in the world. Thus, these countries that have been persecutors and assailants, may see Christ through the church’s good deeds and come to faith, receive Jesus Christ as their saviour, and honour the Father God.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
