Secret police and security officers raided a house church meeting in the Turkmen capital of Ashgabat on May 3, according to a report from Compass Direct. Without a warrant, the officials took Bibles, assorted literature and video tapes, some personal pictures and a laptop computer. The Christians were then forced to reenact the meeting while police videotaped them. According to the May 6 report, the believers remained calm throughout the interrogation. One Christian even asked her interrogator for assistance in registering their church, the Soygi (Love) Church. Expecting further difficulties, the congregation is appealing for prayer. "We are now being investigated. We want prayer desperately."
Government registration is required for any congregation wishing to meet in Turkmenistan. Registration, however, is very difficult and even those churches that are registered face such stringent restrictions that meeting is virtually impossible. Turkmen officials have said that churches cannot meet in government-owned buildings, private residences and commercial and residential districts. Getting permits to build is also nearly impossible, leaving very few options other than meeting illegally.
Pray that the Lord will move many believers from around the world to remember this congregation in prayer on a regular basis (Hebrews 13:3). Thank God for the calm and faithful witness of these believers. Pray that the president of Turkmenistan will come to know Christ as his Lord.
For more information on Turkmenistan and the trials facing Christians there, click here.
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