Building Up the Kazakhstan Church | 4th Feb 2010
February 4, 2010 by Andy
Filed under Prayer Bulletin
Kazakhstan is the ninth largest country in the world with a population of just over 15 million; 47% of these are Muslims, 44% Russian Orthodox and 2% Protestant. Converts to Christ endure discrimination for taking up their cross to follow Him, yet there is considerable cause for hope. Kazakhstan used to be relatively free compared with most other Central Asian countries, but the Government is now increasingly restrictive in the way that it treats the Christian population. Officials encourage intolerance towards non-Muslim minorities and towards the free expression of thought and conscience.
Protestant Christians are especially targeted with fines increasing for unregistered worship and the issuing of Government guidelines on how to avoid the influence of non-traditional groups. Amidst the oppression, there is sustained church growth and growing church planting amongst the ethnic Kazakh people, despite frequent pressure from the Muslim communities.
Barnabas Fund has been helping to train and equip Christians, support Christian workers and provide resources to strengthen the Church, including the translation and printing of literature.
Source: Barnabas Fund; CIA Factbook
BIBLE STUDY: Revelation 3:7-8
PRAISE: God for sustained Church growth among all ethnic groups. Pray for funds for Christian resources.
