Christians were gathered for worship at the New Life Church in Kyzylorda when "anti-extremism" police burst into their meeting on February 25th. According to authorities, they had received a report that a child was allegedly present in the service, and thus they were obligated to investigate.
During the raid, those present were questioned about why they had come, and their faith was ridiculed. Video recordings were made of congregation members in attendance and literature was confiscated for "expert analysis," despite police officers having no search warrant. The pastor, Serik Bisembayev, is also being investigated for "inciting discord." If charged and convicted, the church leader could face up to ten years in prison.
Criminal Code Article 174, under which Pastor Bisembayev is being investigated, has frequently been used against those with whom the authorities disagree -- including political figures, trade unionists and religious leaders. The United Nations Commission on Human Rights, and other advocates, have raised concerns about the overly broad and unclear nature of the law.
Remember Pastor Serick Bisembayev as he faces this investigation, praying that he will be able to continue in ministry despite the uncertainty. Pray for God to also strengthen the other Christians in Kazakhstan who are facing harassment because of their faith. May those who interrogated them be drawn to the Lord through the words they heard during the raid.
Current Ministry Project
VOMC has come alongside project partners to offer an English camp as an opportunity for evangelism and outreach among youth and young adults. Camp participants are invited to embrace the Good News of the Gospel through the platform of the English Camps.
Ethnicity (%) Kazakh (Qazaq) (68), Russian (19.3), Uzbek (3.2), Ukrainian (1.5), Uighur (1.5), Tatar (1.1), German (1), Other (4.4)
Religion (%) Muslim (70.2), Christian (26.2), Buddhist (0.1), Other (0.2), Atheist (2.8), Unspecified (0.5)
Leader President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev (2019)
Government type Presidential republic
Legal system the theory and practice of the Russian Federation Civil law system influenced by Roman-Germanic law and b
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Kazakhstan
Pray that authorities will cease their harassment of unregistered church communities. Until then, pray believers will effectively minister the gospel despite opposition.
Pray for endurance for those believers facing these challenges.
Pray for the adage “To be a Kazakh is to be a Muslim” to be broken; pray for freedom from historic spiritual bondages and prejudices.
Kazakhstan Senate Photo: Wikipedia / SenateKZ (cc)
On October 6th, amendments to Kazakhstan's religious laws were approved by the Parliament and then passed on to the Senate. The legislation added new restrictions to religious events conducted outside a building of worship owned by a registered re
Since the beginning of 2021, at least 20 cases have gone to court in Kazakhstan for holding religious meetings without state permission. The fines brought against them varied from three weeks' to four months' average wages. Amendments are also pres
New Life Church property in Almaty Photo: Ivan Kryukov (cc)
On September 17th, a court in the city of Almaty upheld an earlier decision to seize two buildings owned by the New Life Protestant Church. The facilities were being used for worship, as well as a means of support for those suffering from
Church member prays outside Grace Church. Photo: Grace Church via Forum 18
City officials in Kazakhstan's capital of Nur-Sultan have ordered the confiscation of the Grace Presbyterian Church building, as well as the place of worship being constructed on the same site for the Agape Pentecostal Church
Population
