Telman Aliev, pastor of a Baptist congregation in Neftchala, Azerbaijan, has been facing regular abuse and threats from local police since he began coming to the town to lead church services in May 2003. Ilya Zenchenko, head of the Baptist Union in Azerbaijan, told Forum 18 that the deputy head of the local police had threatened to drive Aliev out of town, banning him from visiting and insulting him as a "traitor" for having adopted Christianity.
Asadov denies these allegations, saying that Aliev is free to come to the town to conduct services, but only if the church registers. Though Azerbaijani law does not require churches to register with the government, the Neftchala church would like to register. However, Baptist churches throughout Azerbaijan have experienced great difficulty in doing so. To date, only three Baptist congregations have successfully registered.
A senior local official has promised to help the church, saying that police will be summoned and questioned about their harassment. Pray that he will be successful in stopping the actions of the local police against this church. Pray that the ministry of this church will reach out to many in the town and surrounding area.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Azerbaijan, go to the Azerbaijan Country Report.
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