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According to Forum 18, on August 4, six secret police officers raided a private home in the town of Abadan where a small group of Baptists were meeting for Bible study and prayer. Even though the church had received official registration on June 25, the police officers confiscated all of their Bibles and hymnals and ordered them to not undertake any religious activities in the town.
Three days later, in Turkmenabad, a group of nine children had gathered at the home of an Adventist family to watch the animated feature "Finding Nemo," while the mother of some of the children prepared supper. Police raided the home, claiming that an illegal religious service was in progress. Books, CDs and identity documents were seized. Despite being a part of a registered religious community, police forced the husband to sign a statement that an illegal service was in progress. Since receiving registration on June1, the Adventist community has been seeking a place to meet. However, they are refused rent as soon as the hall managers find out they are seeking a place for a church meeting.
Pray that Christians in Turkmenistan will stand firm and will continue to reach out to their communities with the love of Christ, despite this opposition from the authorities. Pray that the police and local authorities will respect the religious freedom of the Turkmen people.
For more information on Turkmenistan and the persecution facing Christians there, click here.
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