Photo: Rahymjan Borjakov
According to recent reports, pressure appears to be mounting against Rahymjan Borjakov, a 44-year-old pastor who leads an unregistered church in Turkmenistan. While nothing definite has been announced, sources indicate that the Christian leader's arrest may be imminent amid repeated threats from the authorities.
In early July, an official at a local mosque in the village of Dogryyol told worshippers that Pastor Rahymjan would be locked up sooner or later, and that the authorities were plotting the Christian man's arrest. Lending credence to that rumour, officials visited the pastor's home in mid-July and asked for information about his relatives, including their places of work. Shortly after, Pastor Rahymjan's relatives, who are not Christians, began receiving "threatening and insulting" calls from the phone number of a police officer whose department controls religious activities within the region.
Earlier this year, Pastor Rahymjan attempted to board a plane but was refused for unspecified reasons. This is not unusual treatment for political activists and others with whom the government have concerns. Close monitoring by officials is commonplace for Christians in Turkmenistan, particularly for those belonging to unregistered religious communities, like Pastor Rahymjan. For further reports revealing the various challenges encountered by Christians in this Central Asian nation, go to our country profile.
Pray that the pressures inflicted on Pastor Rahymjan and his family will subside, and that no formal charges would be brought against this Christian leader. May he receive greatly needed wisdom in his endeavours to continue ministering among the members of his community, as well as those of his own family. Also prayerfully remember our other Christian brothers and sisters residing in this country as they too navigate the tight restrictions and close surveillance imposed on them by governing authorities, asking our Heavenly Father to sustain each one with spiritual strength, refreshment and courage in the face of hostility.
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