Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 091 | Wed 19 Jan 2011
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CENTRAL ASIA: LEGISLATION IMPACTS RELIGIOUS LIBERTY
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By Anneta Vyssotskaia, a religious liberty advocate with a particular
concern for and involvement in Russia and the former USSR.
There have been many encouraging answers to prayer for the Church in Central Asia: the unity amongst the Protestant churches is growing; there are many testimonies about a growing interest in the Good News amongst Muslims in Central Asian countries; many churches have a missionary vision for reaching out to the neighbouring Muslim countries with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. However, the churches in Central Asia still need daily prayer support amidst continuing restrictions and persecution.
* UZBEKISTAN
In 2010, the churches were raided by police, numerous Christians were detained and fined, while some were sentenced to short term imprisonment. Pentecostal pastor Dmitry Shestakov served his fourth year in prison and is due to be released this month. A Baptist believer, Tohar Haydarov, was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment in a labour camp on fabricated drug charges in March 2010. The most restrictive situation remains in the Karakalpakastan region where none of the churches have been able to register. The authorities insist that individual believers must get permission even to have a Bible. A decision on new religious laws is possible in 2011, bringing even more restrictions on religious freedom in Uzbekistan.
* TURKMENISTAN
Religious freedom is under the strict control of the authorities in Turkmenistan. Only a small number of churches are registered, while many others have been unsuccessfully trying to get registration for years. None of the ethnic Turkmen churches was registered. The unregistered churches meet secretly in homes, often changing meeting places. Police regularly raid the houses of believers, confiscating and destroying Christian literature. Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev was sentenced to four years in prison and forced medical treatment under a false accusation of drug addiction in October 2010 and is now in a labour camp that has extremely tough conditions. He has not been allowed to have a Bible since his arrest in August. He has diabetes and has been denied necessary medication. He was excluded from the recent prisoner amnesty.
* AZERBAIJAN
Religious freedom has been steadily deteriorating in Azerbaijan over the last few years. Since changes to the Religious Law were adopted in May 2009 the churches have faced problems with re-registration. Many have been denied registration and unregistered religious activities are illegal. Believers have been interrogated and fined when their gatherings have been raided by police. In October 2010 police raided the house where 80 members of an unregistered Baptist church were celebrating Harvest Festival. Four of them were arrested and sentenced to five days in prison. On 11 December an Adventist church was raided by police and its members were interrogated and fined heavily. New amendments to the Code of Administrative Offences are expected to be discussed in the parliament and if approved would impose even heavier fines for unregistered religious activities.
* KYRGYZSTAN
In Kyrgyzstan 2010 was a year of political riots and ethnic clashes, which affected the church as well. The church leaders hope that the highly restrictive religious law brought in by the former president Bakiev will be radically changed under the new government and restored at least to the level the country had before Bakiev. The churches are actively participating in helping those who lost their homes and businesses as a result of ethnic clashes between Kyrgyzs and Uzbeks in Osh.
* KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan currently chairs the OSCE and proclaims religious tolerance. The Christian community is concerned that after 2010 the legislation will be changed imposing more restrictions on religious activities. While the majority of religious groups worship without government interference, the activities of unregistered minority groups, including some evangelical churches, are considered illegal. Some pastors and church members were fined for unregistered 'missionary' activities. In March 2010 new missionary visa regulations came into force that caused growing difficulties for some religious communities.
* TAJIKISTAN
Almost all registered churches in Tajikistan were able to re-register in accordance with the legal requirements. However, the Union of Evangelical Christian Baptists was denied registration as a union of churches. That limits their rights, e.g. to open new churches. Also some smaller new churches faced problems with registration. The majority of the population continue to live in conditions of extreme poverty, unemployment and frequent electricity blackouts. Many labour migrants from Tajikistan and elsewhere in Central Asia live and work in Russia and become more open to the Gospel there than in their home countries. =
PRAISE GOD FOR -
* the growing unity amongst the churches, the growing interest in the gospel amongst Muslims, and the missionary vision of the churches in Central Asia.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY FOR -
* God to sustain those who are in prison: Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev who was jailed for four years and forced to undergo anti-drug medical treatment, but denied his diabetes medication; Tohar Haydarov in Uzbekistan who was sentenced to 10 years in prison in March 2010; Pastor Dmitry Shestakov now due for release from his four-year imprisonment, and for his subsequent care and protection.
* positive changes in religious legislation in Central Asian countries.
* the churches in Central Asia to be filled with God's Spirit of power and wisdom to preach the Good News to local Muslims and to reach out to the neighbouring Muslim countries.
* labour migrants from Central Asia, that many of them will be saved where they go away to work and bring the gospel back to their home countries.
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SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
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LEGISLATION IN CENTRAL ASIA IMPACTS RELIGIOUS FREEDOM
In 2010 the churches in Central Asia continued to experience harassment, religious restrictions and persecution. They request prayer for positive changes to legislation that will permit greater religious freedom in their countries. Pastor Ilmurad Nurliev was jailed for four years with forced
anti-drug medical treatment, and denied his diabetes medication. Tohar Haydarov was sentenced to 10 years' imprisonment. Pastor Dmitry Shestakov is due to be released from his four-year imprisonment this month and will need subsequent care and protection. Meanwhile, labour migrants from Central Asia can hear the gospel where they go away to work and bring the
Good News back to their home countries. The Central Asia churches are experiencing greater unity and a desire to reach out to local and neighbouring Muslims. Please pray for religious freedom and outreach.
Showing posts with label Turkmenistan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Turkmenistan. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Wednesday, October 20, 2010
078. Central Asia: Christianity's past and present
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 078 | Wed 20 Oct 2010
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CENTRAL ASIA: CHRISTIANITY'S PAST AND PRESENT
By Anneta Vyssotskaia
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The Central Asian region is a vast territory including five countries which were once part of the former USSR: Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. In ancient times it was inhabited mainly by nomadic tribes and was an important part of the Great Silk Road, which played a big role in the historical and cultural development of this region. The total population of Central Asia exceeds 60 million, the majority of whom are Sunni Muslims, and includes over 100 ethnic groups. In the Soviet period about 25 percent of the population were Russians but after the collapse of the Soviet Union the majority of the Russian population migrated out of this region. However, many Central Asian people still use the Russian language for international communication.
Christianity came to Central Asia from Persia in the 1st Century. According to legend, the Apostle Thomas went to Samarkand (now a city in Uzbekistan) by the Great Silk Road and appointed several bishops there. Documents confirmed that in the 2nd & 3rd Centuries there were Christian churches in that region and Christianity spread mainly through Nestorian Christians. However, around the 14th Century Christianity started to be wiped out by Islam and Buddhism and practically disappeared for several centuries. A new stage of Christianity started about mid-19th Century with the arrival of the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian farmer migrants. Russian Orthodox churches were built in all Russian settlements. At the end of the 19th Century many evangelical Christians came to the region, often as a result of persecution. Although the local population was quite tolerant of both Orthodox and evangelical Christians, Christianity was still considered the religion of the non-ethnic people.
During the Soviet period all religions were controlled and persecuted by the state authorities and several generations grew up as atheists. The end of the Soviet regime brought many freedoms to the people including the freedom of religion. It opened the door to numerous missionaries and resulted in many new churches of different denominations. Masses of people were attracted to the churches. However, very soon active support of traditional national religions started and also resistance to missionary activities. Islam became more active. The religious freedom and openness gradually were replaced by restrictions. The governments supported certain religions and denominations while resisting the activities of others, especially foreign missionaries and 'non-traditional' religions. This was partly an attempt to use certain religious teaching as an ideological basis for the whole population and partly to reduce the threat of destabilisation and ethnic conflicts in their countries. The next step was to amend existing laws to impose legislative restrictions, especially regarding sharing faith with other people, children's work and even religious education of church members.
According to Open Doors World Watch List, four out of the five Central Asian countries are included in the list of 50 countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith: Uzbekistan (10th), Turkmenistan (15th), Tajikistan (32), Kyrgyzstan (49).
In an environment where ethnic conflicts can be easily ignited, Central Asia churches suffer the problem that these conflicts may cause divisions and bitterness even amongst Christians.
The overall picture in Central Asia is the Church has to survive and grow in circumstances of persecution, ethnic conflicts and economic hardship. Study materials are lacking in the local languages, which is a hindrance to discipleship especially in remote places. In Uzbekistan, it is especially difficult as Christian literature is searched for, confiscated and destroyed by police, and church members get detained and fined on a massive scale. It is now an impossible task to get a church registered, but even registration no longer protects a church from police raids and detention of its members.
Christianity in Central Asia has to walk a long and narrow path to growth, despite all the restrictions and difficulties imposed by state and religious authorities, as well as pressure from the predominantly Muslim society.
A believer in Uzbekistan says, 'I continue to live by the power of the One Who has loved me.' This was just written by the wife of a pastor serving his fourth year in prison for his Christian faith.
PRAISE GOD FOR:
* the spiritual revival in Central Asia following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
* Church growth across Central Asia despite growing restrictions on religious freedom and severe persecution in many places, praying that he will protect and strengthen his Church.
* faithfulness and boldness of Christian leaders who set a good example to the believers in their churches.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL:
* enable his children to fulfil his Great Commandment of making disciples in all nations and all remote places, and that there will be enough material in their languages so every believer might study the Word of God in all its fullness.
* help and provide for many needy Christians living in this region of great poverty and unemployment.
* help his children of different nationalities to be united amidst all ethnic conflicts and be instruments of his peace.
~~~~
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
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THE CHURCH'S STRUGGLE IN CENTRAL ASIA
The Church in the former Soviet countries of Central Asia -- Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan -- struggles for survival and growth amidst persecution, ethnic conflicts and economic hardship. Lack of material in the local languages hinders discipleship training. This is especially a problem in Uzbekistan where the police search for Christian literature, seize and destroy it, as well as detain and fine church members on a massive scale. It is now impossible to get a church registered, but even registration no longer protects a church from police raids and detention of its members. Please pray for the Church in Central Asia on its long and narrow path to growth, despite all the restrictions and difficulties imposed by state and religious authorities, as well as pressure from the predominantly Muslim society.
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CENTRAL ASIA: CHRISTIANITY'S PAST AND PRESENT
By Anneta Vyssotskaia
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The Central Asian region is a vast territory including five countries which were once part of the former USSR: Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. In ancient times it was inhabited mainly by nomadic tribes and was an important part of the Great Silk Road, which played a big role in the historical and cultural development of this region. The total population of Central Asia exceeds 60 million, the majority of whom are Sunni Muslims, and includes over 100 ethnic groups. In the Soviet period about 25 percent of the population were Russians but after the collapse of the Soviet Union the majority of the Russian population migrated out of this region. However, many Central Asian people still use the Russian language for international communication.
Christianity came to Central Asia from Persia in the 1st Century. According to legend, the Apostle Thomas went to Samarkand (now a city in Uzbekistan) by the Great Silk Road and appointed several bishops there. Documents confirmed that in the 2nd & 3rd Centuries there were Christian churches in that region and Christianity spread mainly through Nestorian Christians. However, around the 14th Century Christianity started to be wiped out by Islam and Buddhism and practically disappeared for several centuries. A new stage of Christianity started about mid-19th Century with the arrival of the Russian Orthodox Church and Russian farmer migrants. Russian Orthodox churches were built in all Russian settlements. At the end of the 19th Century many evangelical Christians came to the region, often as a result of persecution. Although the local population was quite tolerant of both Orthodox and evangelical Christians, Christianity was still considered the religion of the non-ethnic people.
During the Soviet period all religions were controlled and persecuted by the state authorities and several generations grew up as atheists. The end of the Soviet regime brought many freedoms to the people including the freedom of religion. It opened the door to numerous missionaries and resulted in many new churches of different denominations. Masses of people were attracted to the churches. However, very soon active support of traditional national religions started and also resistance to missionary activities. Islam became more active. The religious freedom and openness gradually were replaced by restrictions. The governments supported certain religions and denominations while resisting the activities of others, especially foreign missionaries and 'non-traditional' religions. This was partly an attempt to use certain religious teaching as an ideological basis for the whole population and partly to reduce the threat of destabilisation and ethnic conflicts in their countries. The next step was to amend existing laws to impose legislative restrictions, especially regarding sharing faith with other people, children's work and even religious education of church members.
According to Open Doors World Watch List, four out of the five Central Asian countries are included in the list of 50 countries where Christians are persecuted for their faith: Uzbekistan (10th), Turkmenistan (15th), Tajikistan (32), Kyrgyzstan (49).
In an environment where ethnic conflicts can be easily ignited, Central Asia churches suffer the problem that these conflicts may cause divisions and bitterness even amongst Christians.
The overall picture in Central Asia is the Church has to survive and grow in circumstances of persecution, ethnic conflicts and economic hardship. Study materials are lacking in the local languages, which is a hindrance to discipleship especially in remote places. In Uzbekistan, it is especially difficult as Christian literature is searched for, confiscated and destroyed by police, and church members get detained and fined on a massive scale. It is now an impossible task to get a church registered, but even registration no longer protects a church from police raids and detention of its members.
Christianity in Central Asia has to walk a long and narrow path to growth, despite all the restrictions and difficulties imposed by state and religious authorities, as well as pressure from the predominantly Muslim society.
A believer in Uzbekistan says, 'I continue to live by the power of the One Who has loved me.' This was just written by the wife of a pastor serving his fourth year in prison for his Christian faith.
PRAISE GOD FOR:
* the spiritual revival in Central Asia following the collapse of the Soviet Union.
* Church growth across Central Asia despite growing restrictions on religious freedom and severe persecution in many places, praying that he will protect and strengthen his Church.
* faithfulness and boldness of Christian leaders who set a good example to the believers in their churches.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL:
* enable his children to fulfil his Great Commandment of making disciples in all nations and all remote places, and that there will be enough material in their languages so every believer might study the Word of God in all its fullness.
* help and provide for many needy Christians living in this region of great poverty and unemployment.
* help his children of different nationalities to be united amidst all ethnic conflicts and be instruments of his peace.
~~~~
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
-----------------------------------------------------------
THE CHURCH'S STRUGGLE IN CENTRAL ASIA
The Church in the former Soviet countries of Central Asia -- Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan -- struggles for survival and growth amidst persecution, ethnic conflicts and economic hardship. Lack of material in the local languages hinders discipleship training. This is especially a problem in Uzbekistan where the police search for Christian literature, seize and destroy it, as well as detain and fine church members on a massive scale. It is now impossible to get a church registered, but even registration no longer protects a church from police raids and detention of its members. Please pray for the Church in Central Asia on its long and narrow path to growth, despite all the restrictions and difficulties imposed by state and religious authorities, as well as pressure from the predominantly Muslim society.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
072. Turkmenistan: mounting repression
Religious Liberty Prayer Bulletin | RLPB 072 | Wed 08 Sep 2010
TURKMENISTAN: MOUNTING REPRESSION
In1985 USSR president Mikhail Gorbachev appointed a colourless Soviet apparatchik Saparmurat Niyazov to head the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic. When Turkmenistan became independent in 1991, Niyazov -- who automatically became president -- transformed into an eccentric and reclusive megalomaniac. Under Niyazov, Turkmenistan became one of the world's most repressive and Stalinist states. The all-pervasive cult of Niyazov -- rivalled only by North Korea's cult of Kim -- led to jokes about 'Wierdistan'. But life under Niyazov was anything but a joke. Suffocating religious repression, backed up with violent systematic persecution, was the norm.
When Niyazov died suddenly on 21 December 2006, many Christians hoped that a new era had dawned. Initially the signs were positive, and relief mingled enthusiastically with hope. (Rigged) elections were held in February 2007. There was constitutional reform. The 'elected' president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov (formerly Niyazov's dentist), was talking to the West. There was a new openness. However, as time has passed it has become increasingly evident that the only difference between Niyazov and Berdimuhamedov is that Berdimuhamedov is a smarter politician. He immediately moved to erect facades and create illusions so as to attract investment and avoid sanctions. However, as new (post August 2008) geo-strategic realities kick in, he realises he no longer needs to play these games.
As Turkmenistan's President for life, Berdimuhamedov violates the constitution with impunity. According to Annasoltan, the 'neweurasia' chief blogger for Turkmenistan, the cult of Niyazov is being replaced with the cult of Berdimuhamedov. While the famous rotating gold statue of Niyazov was recently dismantled, a larger and more expensive new monument devoted to Berdimuhamedov will soon be erected in another part of the capital. Niyazov's portraits are being replaced with portraits of Berdimuhamedov, who presents himself as the divine saviour of all Turkmen. World leaders, he maintains, are insanely jealous. Accordingly, everything 'foreign' and non-traditional is treated as seditious. Despite being gas-rich, the country is wracked with poverty. Yet Berdimuhamedov invests in grandiose building projects designed to create the illusion of success and prosperity. (Currently planned is a $2 billion Olympic Village in Ashgabat -- not that the Olympics are coming to Ashgabat any time soon.) Criticism is treason. All religion that is 'foreign', non-traditional and not centred on Berdimuhamedov is repressed and persecuted, most commonly through the imprisonment of religious leaders on false criminal charges. There can be no justice for, in violation of the constitution, Berdimuhamedov has personally appointed the judiciary to do his bidding.
Forum 18 reports that on 22 July Turkmen police raided a church-run summer youth camp in Sekiz-Yab, taking 47 Christians into custody on the pretext of investigating a local murder. Once inside Geoketpe police station the pretext evaporated, Bibles were confiscated and the believers were interrogated about who converted them and who funds their activities. They were photographed and fingerprinted while copies were made of their passports. After being detained overnight, the group left feeling greatly intimidated. Also in July, members of a Baptist church in Dashoguz (or Dashhowuz) were pressured to sign statements that they would no longer attend the church. Elsewhere, two Protestant Christians were sacked from their employment because of their faith. On 27 August Protestant pastor Ilmurad Nurliev was arrested and charged with swindling more than US$2.4 million from three church members who were coerced into making false statements against him. Large-scale swindling attracts a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment. Another church member, Kristina Petrova, has been ordered to testify against Pastor Nurliev or else her husband (who is not a church member) will lose his job, leaving them destitute.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL:
* provide Pastor Nurliev with words in court and in detention that will bring glory to God; may he know peace through trusting God, and may God bring justice and glory into the situation.
'You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.' (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
* draw close all those Christians who have been threatened, intimidated and afflicted by the regime; may they grow in faith and sanctification as they find sanctuary in God's presence.
* use these situations, where injustice and cruelty are juxtaposed with innocence and grace, to awaken many Turkmen (89 percent Muslim) to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
* intervene and deal with President Berdimuhamedov and his repressive regime, that religious liberty might become a reality in long-suffering Turkmenistan.
~~~~
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MOUNTING REPRESSION IN TURKMENISTAN
President Berdimuhamedov ('elected' in February 07), is no different from the totalitarian megalomaniac he replaced, the Soviet-appointed Saparmurat Niyazov. His initial openness and reforms appear to have been a ploy to attract investment and avoid sanctions. With the new geo-strategic realities (post August 2008), he no longer needs to play this game. Slowly the cult of Berdimuhamedov is replacing the cult of Niyazov and everything 'foreign' and non-traditional is treated as seditious. Human rights abuses, including religious repression backed up with violent systematic persecution, are on the rise. Non-compliant, 'foreign' and non-traditional religious fellowships are being targeted for harassment, intimidation and persecution. Protestant pastor, Ilmurad Nurliev, has been falsely accused of 'large-scale swindling', a crime that incurs up to five years' jail. Please pray.
TURKMENISTAN: MOUNTING REPRESSION
In1985 USSR president Mikhail Gorbachev appointed a colourless Soviet apparatchik Saparmurat Niyazov to head the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Turkmen Soviet Socialist Republic. When Turkmenistan became independent in 1991, Niyazov -- who automatically became president -- transformed into an eccentric and reclusive megalomaniac. Under Niyazov, Turkmenistan became one of the world's most repressive and Stalinist states. The all-pervasive cult of Niyazov -- rivalled only by North Korea's cult of Kim -- led to jokes about 'Wierdistan'. But life under Niyazov was anything but a joke. Suffocating religious repression, backed up with violent systematic persecution, was the norm.
When Niyazov died suddenly on 21 December 2006, many Christians hoped that a new era had dawned. Initially the signs were positive, and relief mingled enthusiastically with hope. (Rigged) elections were held in February 2007. There was constitutional reform. The 'elected' president, Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov (formerly Niyazov's dentist), was talking to the West. There was a new openness. However, as time has passed it has become increasingly evident that the only difference between Niyazov and Berdimuhamedov is that Berdimuhamedov is a smarter politician. He immediately moved to erect facades and create illusions so as to attract investment and avoid sanctions. However, as new (post August 2008) geo-strategic realities kick in, he realises he no longer needs to play these games.
As Turkmenistan's President for life, Berdimuhamedov violates the constitution with impunity. According to Annasoltan, the 'neweurasia' chief blogger for Turkmenistan, the cult of Niyazov is being replaced with the cult of Berdimuhamedov. While the famous rotating gold statue of Niyazov was recently dismantled, a larger and more expensive new monument devoted to Berdimuhamedov will soon be erected in another part of the capital. Niyazov's portraits are being replaced with portraits of Berdimuhamedov, who presents himself as the divine saviour of all Turkmen. World leaders, he maintains, are insanely jealous. Accordingly, everything 'foreign' and non-traditional is treated as seditious. Despite being gas-rich, the country is wracked with poverty. Yet Berdimuhamedov invests in grandiose building projects designed to create the illusion of success and prosperity. (Currently planned is a $2 billion Olympic Village in Ashgabat -- not that the Olympics are coming to Ashgabat any time soon.) Criticism is treason. All religion that is 'foreign', non-traditional and not centred on Berdimuhamedov is repressed and persecuted, most commonly through the imprisonment of religious leaders on false criminal charges. There can be no justice for, in violation of the constitution, Berdimuhamedov has personally appointed the judiciary to do his bidding.
Forum 18 reports that on 22 July Turkmen police raided a church-run summer youth camp in Sekiz-Yab, taking 47 Christians into custody on the pretext of investigating a local murder. Once inside Geoketpe police station the pretext evaporated, Bibles were confiscated and the believers were interrogated about who converted them and who funds their activities. They were photographed and fingerprinted while copies were made of their passports. After being detained overnight, the group left feeling greatly intimidated. Also in July, members of a Baptist church in Dashoguz (or Dashhowuz) were pressured to sign statements that they would no longer attend the church. Elsewhere, two Protestant Christians were sacked from their employment because of their faith. On 27 August Protestant pastor Ilmurad Nurliev was arrested and charged with swindling more than US$2.4 million from three church members who were coerced into making false statements against him. Large-scale swindling attracts a sentence of up to five years' imprisonment. Another church member, Kristina Petrova, has been ordered to testify against Pastor Nurliev or else her husband (who is not a church member) will lose his job, leaving them destitute.
PLEASE PRAY SPECIFICALLY THAT GOD WILL:
* provide Pastor Nurliev with words in court and in detention that will bring glory to God; may he know peace through trusting God, and may God bring justice and glory into the situation.
'You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.' (Isaiah 26:3 ESV)
* draw close all those Christians who have been threatened, intimidated and afflicted by the regime; may they grow in faith and sanctification as they find sanctuary in God's presence.
* use these situations, where injustice and cruelty are juxtaposed with innocence and grace, to awaken many Turkmen (89 percent Muslim) to the truth of the gospel of Jesus Christ and the transforming power of the Holy Spirit.
* intervene and deal with President Berdimuhamedov and his repressive regime, that religious liberty might become a reality in long-suffering Turkmenistan.
~~~~
SUMMARY TO USE IN BULLETINS UNABLE TO RUN THE WHOLE ARTICLE
----------------------------------------------------------------------
MOUNTING REPRESSION IN TURKMENISTAN
President Berdimuhamedov ('elected' in February 07), is no different from the totalitarian megalomaniac he replaced, the Soviet-appointed Saparmurat Niyazov. His initial openness and reforms appear to have been a ploy to attract investment and avoid sanctions. With the new geo-strategic realities (post August 2008), he no longer needs to play this game. Slowly the cult of Berdimuhamedov is replacing the cult of Niyazov and everything 'foreign' and non-traditional is treated as seditious. Human rights abuses, including religious repression backed up with violent systematic persecution, are on the rise. Non-compliant, 'foreign' and non-traditional religious fellowships are being targeted for harassment, intimidation and persecution. Protestant pastor, Ilmurad Nurliev, has been falsely accused of 'large-scale swindling', a crime that incurs up to five years' jail. Please pray.
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