What do you think of when you see the word Kyrgyzstan? Do you think to yourself, where in the world is that? Do you think of a dangerous country? Full of persecution? Illegal to talk about Jesus? Or is it simply how to pronounce it?
I have to admit almost all of those thoughts came into my head the first time I heard of the country Kyrgyzstan. It is pronounced Kur-guh-stan and I have been living here for the last month.
What I have learned from being here is that it is a beautiful country. It is full of amazing scenery including mountains, hills, rivers, and rock peaks; there is an authentic nomadic culture that comes with Kyrgyzstan that you don’t experience anywhere else; the food is incredible and the people are so kind.
I really have to question my perception of this country coming into the World Race. Why did I think it was dangerous? Is this country really full of persecution? Is it really Illegal to talk about Jesus?
The answer is simply yes, but it is more behind the scenes then I thought. Since I have been here I have felt completely safe the whole time and I haven’t even heard of any incidents. When it comes to persecution it is more from families and not at a physical level. There is a lot of talk and lies about believers and its the main way the devil holds his ground. And as far as sharing the Good News, I guess you could say it is illegal. However, when we have a personal faith why wouldn’t we share it with others? There are church gatherings here and many coming to know Jesus, it is just a little more secretive than the normal American church.
This month my world has been rocked by what the Lord is doing here in Kyrgyzstan. We have been woking with college student throughout this month and we have done everything from teaching leadership and business seminars, to hiking, to teaching English and hanging out with students over a game of Risk.
I have also had the privilege to meet with christian business owners and pastors who see the church as more than just a building with people in it, but a body that is essential to each other. The body is so interconnected and all the parts need of each other so much that every part needs to work. The pastors are helping start businesses to create jobs for people and supply their most basic needs in life. This creates so much opportunity for discipleship and growth and essentially becomes a church.
I’ve heard so many stories of how people are coming to know Christ through business and through simply sharing the gospel, it makes me wonder, why aren’t we doing this more? This is supposed to be a closed country, yet who says you can’t share your personal faith with another? Because its dangerous? Because the government says not to? Because there may be persecution? All these are excuses we can choose to believe that hinder the Good News about the Kingdom of God reaching the world, the very mission the Lord sent us out to do.
“Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:20)
“And the good news of the Kingdom of God will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it, and then the end will come.” (Matthew 24:14)
The reality is there maybe a little danger, but it’s not like we are seeking it out. We are cautious and understanding and work for peace to build relationships. As my friend in Lebanon once said, “We are risk takers, not risk seekers.” The Lord is with us and we will take risks – such as sharing our faith- for the Kingdom.
And to let you into a little more of what persecution looks like here. When someone comes to know Christ, families will kick their children from their homes. They will experience severe rejection from family even to the point of not even acknowledging that they exist. Is that the cost of following Jesus we have to bear? Maybe its not on our mind so we answer no. However, it is our body – the church – that is hurting.
Please pray with me for Kyrgyzstan! Since we have been here we have seen about 4 people come to know Christ and there is many more that are so close. God is moving here and I’m so blessed to see and hear about it. One of the believers here is taking a trip to Iran within the next couple of months, and it just shows how God is moving through the nations.
I hope this blog brings some perspective and a desire to pray and bless our brothers and sister here in Kyrgyzstan. And along with them, may God bring many more into His Kingdom!
Blessings from Kyrgyzstan!
Sharing the Good News with students in Kyrgyzstan!
Pastor and Business Owner seeking to make a Kingdom Impact in Kyrgyzstan!
