“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
In Central Asia, young Christian professionals are stepping forward to share the gospel in their workplaces and everyday lives, seeking to bring transformation to society, according to a report by CBN News. Recently, around 500 young Christian professionals from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, and Turkmenistan gathered in Almaty, Kazakhstan, for the “Christian Professionals Forum.”
Participants included teachers, doctors, lawyers, engineers, filmmakers, and business leaders. Maira Karsabayeva, a filmmaker, said, “There’s a stereotype that Christians are weak, but I am very courageous. Through this forum, I want to learn how to be a believer who can impact the world.”
The event was organized by Mission Eurasia. Its president, Sergey Rakhuba, launched the forum ten years ago with a vision to raise up a generation of bold, faithful leaders who would not hesitate to proclaim the gospel. “We want these young professionals to become a pulpit in their workplaces and society—to live with faith at the center of their lives and become influential leaders,” Rakhuba said.
Perizat Sypatai, a believer from Central Asia, noted, “Many people who are far from God are ready to hear the gospel. They want to know about salvation and hope.” Konstantin Kravtsov of the Evangelical Alliance of Kyrgyzstan added, “The less freedom we have, the more the church unites. We pray more, we fast more, and we follow Christ more sincerely. We realize how costly our faith truly is.”
More than just career training, the forum equipped attendees—many from countries where religious freedom is under threat—with strategies and a sense of spiritual community. Participants from nations facing growing persecution shared wisdom and strengthened one another through their testimonies.
“In today’s post-Soviet societies, there is strong cultural pressure from Islam,” Rakhuba explained. “We want these young believers to grow stronger in their faith and boldly influence their communities, even in the midst of persecution.” The forum also addressed strategic approaches to reach the unreached people groups across Central Asia.
The evangelical population in Kazakhstan is only 0.5%, and in Tajikistan and Turkmenistan, it’s as low as 0.01%. Yet young believers are finding creative ways to live out their faith. Rakhuba urged continued prayer: “Please pray that the next generation will take up the torch of faith and carry it forward boldly.” (Source: Evangelical Prayer Newspaper, Edited version).
“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. (Matthew 5:14-15)
God, we lift up the brothers and sisters of Central Asia who are shining the light of the gospel and following You with boldness. Through those who carry the life of Jesus Christ within them, may the gospel be glorified and may thirsty souls come to the light. Strengthen those facing oppression. Give them wisdom by the Holy Spirit to live out the gospel and overcome daily through Your Word and prayer. We trust that You will do mighty works in Central Asia and the nations through obedient churches.
Prayer 24·365
prayer@prayer24365.org
