Progress made in healing for a Tajik church.

Tajikistan (MNN)–News reports from Tajikistan indicate there has been progress made in the January shooting death of pastor Sergey Besarab.

Unknown assailants shot and killed Besarab in the northern Tajikistan town of Isfara late Monday, January 12. An investigation has been launched into Besarab’s death. He was shot with automatic weapons through a window in his home while he was on his knees praying.

The reports say the 24-year old hitman, overwhelmed with guilt, confessed to police. Bible Mission International’s Malcolm Smith says that’s good news for Besarab’s friends and family. “The local government officials have been very helpful to the people there in encouraging them to move forward. They tell them that they’re doing everything they can to try to find the contractor for Sergei’s death. At this point, they have not been able to find him.”

Smith says prayer is needed as the church recovers. “I talked with some folks on Saturday, and they said the church there is moving again. They have a new pastor there that is shepherding the flock, and all the investigation into the shooting is going on in the background, but the church is moving ahead.”

Besarab’s widow, Tamara, continues to go to Isfara twice a week to meet with the believers. Baptist elders from Khudzand are leading that fellowship. Tamara expressed appreciation to all who have prayed for her and sent expressions of their support, reports Igor Kohaniuk, director of the new Bible School in Dushanbe, capital of Tajikistan.