Church in Central Asia

Faith Under Pressure in Central Asia

Context
Central Asia is a blend of diverse population groups that differ in language and culture. Economic disparities within the region are also significant. Kazakhstan, and to a certain extent Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan, benefit from substantial natural resources. However, this does not mean that all inhabitants benefit from this, as the gap between rich and poor is wide. Central Asia faces numerous social challenges, including unemployment, poverty, addiction, (domestic) violence, and broken families.

Christians in Central Asia experience limited freedom of religion. They encounter considerable opposition from both their social environment and the authorities, as they expect you to be a muslim. Although there are registered churches, local Christians, particularly those with a muslim background, often feel compelled to meet in secret. Evangelism is prohibited throughout Central Asia. Biblical knowledge among new believers is often limited, yet there is a strong desire to learn more.

Urgency
In Central Asia, people are hungry for more of the Gospel. When individuals come to faith, they are eager to grow in their understanding of the Bible and are strongly motivated to share the Gospel with others. Due to restricted freedom of religion, it is safer in certain countries to gather in small groups and in less visible ways. However, most leaders of house churches in particular have not received formal theological training. It is therefore crucial to invest in Christian leadership development and Christian education.

Central Asia is home to many ethnic minority groups, each with its own language and culture. For these groups, accessible Bible study materials that are appropriate to their specific context are often not yet available. In addition, there is a need for new course leaders who can teach Biblecourses within their own ethnic communities.

“When I began my first TEE course, an entirely new world opened up to me. I finally understood that I truly am a child of God and that no one can snatch me from His hand. This has taken away all my fear, enabling me to serve freely within the church.” — Aiman, church member

Strategic Support Partner: GZB
MissionInvest collaborates with the GZB (Gereformeerde Zendingsbond) as a missionary partner organization in Central Asia. The GZB is a highly respected organization with 125 years of experience in global mission work. In Central Asia, it supports the young and often vulnerable church through the development and distribution of accessible Bible courses known as Theological Education by Extension (TEE). These courses are designed for both pastors and church members.

Project
The GZB’s is focussed on training and supporting national TEE teams in six countries: Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Turkmenistan, and Azerbaijan. These teams translate and print the course materials in their respective national languages. The TEE work is carried out by volunteers who do this alongside their regular employment or pastoral responsibilities. It is essential that these individuals receive proper guidance and support to prevent TEE coordinators from becoming overburdened and to ensure that the work is carried out in a structured manner. For this reason, the exchange of knowledge and experience between the various teams is of great importance.

Accessible Biblecourses are an essential tool dor quipping, encouraging, and strengthening local house churches and new believers in Central Asia. House churches typically consist of new believers, often from a Muslim background, who are not accustomed to reading the Bible independently. The courses offered by the GZB help Christians engage in Bible study, gain a deeper understanding of what the Gospel means for their daily lives, and bear witness to their faith. They also support believers in persevering together, particularly when they face rejection from their surroundings because of their faith.

Course participants meet weekly and receive assignments that encourage them to put what they have learned into practice. Pastors observe a significant difference among church members who participate in these Biblecourses: they are more active within the church and far better equipped to live out their faith in word and deed. The training helps these young believers to stand much stronger in their faith, even when pressure from family or government to abandon their beliefs is intense.

In addition to providing Biblecourses, the GZB also plays an active role in promoting diaconal awareness among church members. In this way, local Christians are equipped with practical tools to offer diaconal care to vulnerable and marginalized people within their own communities.

Impact
The church in Central Asia is in a vulnerable position, as it constitutes a very small minority within a predominantly Islamic society. Open and large-scale evangelism is therefore not possible. In terms of impact, this project is of fundamental importance for the building up of the church in closed countries, even though it does not involve large numbers. The impact is primarily visible in the following four areas:

• Strengthening of local churches and their leaders
• Transformation in the lives of students (estimated annual participation of approximately 2,400 students)
• Growing influence of Christians within their surrounding communities
• Increased unity and connection among Christians and churches

Communication and Publicity
Due to limited freedom of religion, MissionInvest and the GZB exercise restraint in their communication and use of visual materials related to this work. It is important for potential donors to realize that personal involvement in this project will be more limited and that reporting will necessarily be less detailed.

Project Costs
For this project, a total of €87,000 is required in 2026, of which the GZB will contribute €29,000 and MissionInvest will cover the remaining €58,000. We are eager to commit ourselves to such an important missionary project.

Do you have a heart for God’s Church in closed countries? In that case, this is a wonderful opportunity to support young and vulnerable house churches in Central Asia. As part of the body of Christ, they are in great need of our help. Your donations will be used effectively to build God’s church and to spread the Gospel in six closed countries.