Photos by 'Jeff'
Kyrgyzstan (MNN) ― Kyrgyzstan's interim government declared Wednesday a day of mourning for the victims of ethnic violence. A state of emergency remains in effect until June 22 and imposes an overnight curfew from 6 p.m. until 6 a.m.
Uzbeks have mostly backed the interim government, while many Kyrgyz in the south have supported the ousted leader, Kurmanbek Bakiyev.
It's motive enough to suspect a grab for power, although Bakiyev vehemently denies any role in the unrest.
However, new reports strengthened suspicions that the five days of ethnic violence was ignited to undermine the interim government. 'Jeff' collaborated with Audio Scripture Ministries while working in Kyrgyzstan, and he agrees. "The ethnic tension is being used as the tool, but the issue is the unaddressed ethnic tension that has been there for a long time."
Despite pointing fingers of blame, the results were costly. Red Cross reports indicate several hundred died in the bloodshed. Any hopes the chaos would hinder the vote were dashed, too. There are no plans to delay a June 27 referendum on the new constitution.
The fighting targeted minority Uzbeks and sent over 100,000 refugees fleeing for their lives to Uzbekistan. The influx of survivors forced Uzbekistan to close the border yesterday, leaving many wounded on the Kyrgyz side without medical care, food, water or shelter.
'Jeff' says that as the country descended into chaos, it became clear that the Gospel transcends ethnicity. "Kyrgyz pastors were hiding Uzbek believers and non-believers in their homes. I thought, 'This is what we need!' We need believers standing up to say, 'We will not fall victim to the nationalism, or ethnic pride. We will first be kingdom people. We will first be followers of Jesus.'"
Believers are agents of change. ‘Jeff' says the uncertainty gives them a chance to put actions behind their words. "It's a great opportune moment that God is giving us for the church not just to be groups that are meeting in these buildings on Sundays, but to be out in society, saying, 'We will rebuild homes, bring food, bring supplies.'"
It's still dangerous for those who remain. ‘Jeff' says, "We need to pray that Christians would have wisdom to know how to reach out, but also that they would really bring the Good News." They are working with an NGO (non-government organization) to address the physical needs. For security reasons, we cannot put a direct link, however, we can connect you through Audio Scripture Ministries. Click here for ASM's contact information.
