Kyrgyzstan, which became independent in 1991, is one of the poorest countries of the former Soviet Union. The government is threatened by social and political instability, with protests by various groups a daily occurrence. Northerners influenced by Russian culture practice Russian Orthodoxy, while the more traditionally Kyrgyz southerners practice mostly Sunni Islam. The constitution guarantees religious freedom, but converting to Christianity is seen as a betrayal of both ethnic identity and family. There is a growing interest in Islam, and tensions are increasing between the Uzbek and Kyrgyz ethnicities over land and housing.
Kyrgyzstan's laws promise to uphold religious freedom, but in practice these laws are not always followed. Believers face property destruction, intimidation, and physical harm on a regular basis. The 2009 Religion Law includes a ban on proselytism and the distribution of religious literature. Religious groups are required to re-register for legal status, and churches must now include more than 200 adult Kyrgyz citizens. Previously, only 10 were required. Officials in Kyrgyzstan have said they will close churches in an effort to pacify the Muslim majority.
Current Ministry Project
VOMC has come alongside project partners to offer English-language training camps as opportunities for evangelism and outreach among youth and young adults. Camp participants not only receive greatly needed encouragement through the helpful practical curriculum that’s presented by caring team leaders, but they are also invited to embrace the “Good News” of the Gospel.
Ethnicity (%) Kyrgyz (73.5), Uzbek (14.7), Russian (5.5), Dungan (1.1), Other (5.2)
Religion (%) Muslim (90), Russian Orthodox (3), other (7)
Leader President Sadyr Japarov (2021)
Government type Parliamentary Republic
Legal system Civil law system, which includes features of French civil law and Russian Federation laws
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Kyrgyzstan
Ask the Lord to empower these church leaders and their congregation members so they can lovingly and boldly proclaim the Gospel in Kyrgyzstan (Ephesians 6:18-20). Also intercede on behalf of the country's political leaders, who not only need wisdom to justly govern the nation but also eternal salvation through a personal and meaningful encounter with the Risen Christ. May it represent the beginning of spiritual revival throughout this land.
Parliament building in Bishkek Photo: Wikipedia / Adam Harangozó (cc)
If adopted, a draft law prepared by the State Commission for Religious Affairs would continue to ban any worship meetings and religious education from operating without state permission throughout the country of Kyrgyzstan. In a
Tamchi Police Station Photo: Wikimedia/Vmenkov (cc)
In October 2018, a young Christian, Eldos Sattar uuly, sustained a broken jaw and other injuries after a violent attack in the Issyk-Kul Region of Kyrgyzstan (see this report). While those responsible were charged, they were sentenced to house a
Pray for the Christians in Kyrgyzstan who experience ongoing threats due to their faith. Photo: Barnabas Fund
A young Christian in the village of Tamchi, Kyrgyzstan, was left fighting for his life after three Muslim men badly beat him on October 17th. The attackers cornered Eldos, a 25-year-old conv
Pray that the Gospel will continue to reach hearts throughout Kyrgyzstan.
A church in Kyrgyzstan, attended by many former Muslims, has been ordered to cease operations. Twice in the past few months, Sunday services have been interrupted by a group consisting of local officials, representatives from
Population
