The region of Central Asia includes Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.
Central Asia (MNN) — Preparations are underway for summer Bible camps in several nations formerly belonging to the Soviet Union. At the same time, Central Asia persecution is on the rise.
“In the last several years, we observed that the issues of religious freedom [have] been increasingly disturbing. [The] Evangelical Church is very much limited, very much under pressure today, in their outreach activities,” shares Sergey Rakhuba of Russian Ministries.
“For example, in Kazakhstan, one of the largest Central Asian countries…we see that new laws that regulate religious affairs [have] been tightened.”
In Uzbekistan, “authorities are scared of any evangelical activity,” Rakhuba continues.
Believers are doing whatever they can to overcome Central Asia persecution and share Christ with the needy. With summer officially underway, Russian Ministries’ and SWW students’ concerns immediately turn to their annual camp outreach.
“We are preparing for the summer and summer camps–sports camps, community camps–in Central Asia that become one of the most effective ministries today,” Rakhuba shares.
Part of the training SWW students receive from Russian Ministries involves the planning and execution of summer Bible camps in Russia, Ukraine, Moldova, Belarus, and the countries of Central Asia.
Last year’s Summer Bible Camp in Mongolia.
(Image courtesy Russian Ministries)
“We cannot call it a ‘Bible camp’ there in Central Asia,” notes Rakhuba.
“But a ‘community sports festival,’ a ‘community sports camp,’ attracts lots of children.”
Learn more about Russian Ministries’ Summer Bible Camps and support them financially here.
Would you add these summer camps to your prayer list?
Pray that the summer camps will take place in a safe environment so there will be no persecution. Ask God to give wisdom and direct summer camp leaders so the camps will be successful and the Gospel will be preached.
“Pray, but also contribute if possible, and partner with us to provide an opportunity for a needy child to hear the Gospel,” Rakhuba requests.
