Flag of Kyrgyzstan
Kyrgyzstan (MNN) ― Kyrgyzstan is cracking down on religious minorities. They have established a state Coordinating Council on the struggle against Religious Extremism.
On August 5, the Prime Minister signed the Decree establishing the Council. Forum 18 shared some of the text of the decree, which reads in part that it was created "for the purpose of ensuring concerted action and coordination of activity of State agencies and local governments of Kyrgyzstan in prevention of the spread of and resistance to religious extremism, fundamentalism and conflicts on religious grounds".
Faith-based groups as well as civic agencies are alarmed by the scope of power bestowed on the Council. According to Forum 18, Raya Kadyrova of the Foundation for Tolerance International says "unfortunately our laws give a very wide definition of religious radicalism and extremism."
Sweeping enforcement powers can only mean a tightening of restrictions in a country where Christian activity is already being closely monitored.
Tom Dudenhofer with Audio Scripture Ministries says that's why their team's success of an audio Bible drop stood out. "They were very, very surprised that they were granted visas to travel and that they were also granted permission to import the digital players. In both cases, their take on it was a 'Thank you, God' moment. They decided not to ask too many questions and just use the opportunity that God provided."
ASM combined recorded Scripture with Christian Kyrgyz folk music to impact people living in some of the remotest parts of the nation where the literacy rate is 1 percent.
Keep praying. Seeds are being planted for the Gospel. "A Kyrgyz evangelistic team traveled with our partners. They were allowed to also minister to this particular group and begin the process of building an organization or an organism of the body of Christ for the people that are very interested in learning about Jesus Christ."
Pray for wisdom for believers as they navigate the ramifications.
