REGIONAL HIGHLIGHTS: CENTRAL ASIA

Central Asia is made up of six republics: Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan. This region, situated at the geographical crossroads of some of history’s greatest empires, now struggles beneath the weight of social and political conflict, restrictive expressions of Islam, poverty, remnants of Communist rule and limited religious freedom. We’re connected with Central Asian ministry leaders who are serving in the region and among migrants living in Russia through community development, education, care for vulnerable women, evangelism, church planting, pastoral training and youth outreach.

2018 KEY DEVELOPMENTS + EVENTS

During the summer, a Central Asian ministry partner had the opportunity to visit the US and preach in churches and at the New Wilmington Mission Conference, beginning new partnerships with several churches.

We helped fund two initiatives to connect leaders: a conference for 110 youth leaders from throughout Central Asia and a three-day strategic meeting for 11 Central Asian pastors and house church leaders working in six Russian cities. These events were rare opportunities for ministry leaders to meet in person, encourage one another and sharpen their strategies.

Our partners at a women’s shelter are helping vulnerable and exploited women experience physical, psychological and spiritual restoration. In addition to basic skills training and mentoring, this ministry nurtures emotional and spiritual growth through counseling, group discussions and ongoing support from other women. This year, counselors facilitated individual sessions to 21 residents of the shelter, local women and staff members.

In the fall, the shelter was able to hire and train three more young women to work for their coffee shop and local catering services. Sixteen women have successfully completed culinary courses.

Twenty-nine women have successfully completed sewing courses. The shelter hired a sewing specialist to train women on a professional level, and a designer provided master classes. Some cooking and sewing course graduates are now employed by local businesses.

CHALLENGES + OPPORTUNITIES

Circumstances remain tense in many countries: imprisonment of church leaders, tourist attacks by ISIS supporters, radical Islam’s growing control and general instability. But there are also changes for the better, particularly in one nation which is relaxing its restrictions on Christians.

Significant economic and physical hardship is driving a growing number of Central Asian migrants and refugees to seek work and better opportunities in Russia. One partner reports there are more than four million migrants in Moscow alone, and 60% are between the ages of 18 and 25.

Our partners recognize an open door to reach the predominantly Muslim migrant population now living in Russia. In this new context, migrants are gaining access to the Gospel with greater freedom from the social pressures of their home communities.

A new law in Russia makes it illegal for non-citizens to engage in ministry. Because of this, Central Asian ministry leaders are at risk of police harassment, fines or deportation. Many face burnout due to the constant stress on their personal lives and ministries.

This coming year, our partners hope to develop business as mission initiatives to provide income generation for their ministries and move toward financial self-sustainability.

We’re committed to helping Central Asian ministry leaders gather for training and fellowship in 2019.

INSIGHTS + IMPACT

Our work this year focused on encouraging a number of Central Asian pastors and church planters who live and serve in Russia. God is raising up new leaders for the Central Asian Church and guiding them as they work together and develop mature partnerships.

Women who come to the shelter for help often want quick solutions to their struggles, but some understand it will take time to process and heal. We rejoice that women are experiencing real transformation through this ministry.

As we witness divisiveness and hostility between people and nations on a global scale, we recognize the contrast of God’s call to His children to be agents of peace and demonstrate the unity He makes possible. Our partners ask for our prayers and welcome our visits, giving us opportunities to move toward one another in relationship rather than withdrawing out of fear.

I’ve been energized by stepping back from a focus on one particular country and ministry for a time of reflection and research on mission trends, strategies and contexts in the larger Central Asian region and beyond. I’ve been encouraged when a congregation or denominational group in the US chooses to learn more and consider next steps.

—Associate Director Rita Johnson

I learned that many of our partners are struggling in the same ways I am— struggling to be faithful in ministry and to care for their families. I’m deeply grateful for the friendship of our partner, SL, and his joyful endurance of life and ministry challenges as he proclaims Jesus to Central Asians. He always reminds me of God’s love for us.

—Associate Director Donald Marsden