#33 in Christian persecution, Tajikistan

LoricaLady

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What does persecution look like in Tajikistan? What is life like for Christians?
In Tajikistan, the government puts heavy pressure on all “deviating” religious groups by tightening and strictly enforcing existing laws. All religious activities must be approved by the government, and it is common for churches—particularly Protestant—to be raided by authorities. Church leaders and Christians can be detained if they are found to have any Christian materials that aren’t government-approved. The country also has a law specifically targeting religious work among young people, leaving Christians unsure of what they are legally allowed to say to young Christians.

From time to time, police officers disrupt meetings and interrogate attendees. Local authorities often impose fines on Christians because of their faith and for legal reasons, such as gathering without a permit, possessing and printing religious material without a permit, or perceived proselytization. Persecution from the state includes searches, detention, interrogation, confiscation, fines and imprisonment—all meant to pressure Christians and keep them in line.

The government of Tajikistan, a former Soviet republic, is primarily concerned with power and holding onto control, but the surrounding society is heavily Islamic. The Tajik ethnic identity is directly tied to Islam. That is why Christians who have converted from Islam bear the brunt of persecution at the hands of both the state and from family, friends and community.

Russian Orthodox Christians and churches experience the fewest problems from the government because they do not usually attempt to make contact with, or evangelize, the Tajik population.

Meet Pastor Bahrom
“Early last year, my church was attacked by wicked people and the church building was confiscated by the court. Our church is now gathering inside a 40-ton container. We pray for a new building for our church. We also ask you to participate in prayer and support us in this. The Lord said, ‘Call me and I will answer you … ’ (Jeremiah 33:3).”

What has changed in Tajikistan?
Although Tajikistan fell two rankings from last year’s World Watch List, persecution and pressure actually rose slightly. Violence is still very low, but pressure from every sphere of life increased just a bit. Being a Christian in Tajikistan continues to be difficult and dangerous, particularly for churches trying to show the gospel and make disciples.

Who is most vulnerable to persecution?
Tajikistan’s Christians who have converted from Islam are most at risk. They are doubly targeted by both the government and their communities and families. Additionally, Christians living outside Tajikistan’s major cities are more prone to experiencing greater pressure than followers of Jesus in urban settings.

What does Open Doors do to help Christians in Central Asia?
Open Doors provides immediate aid to Central Asian believers when they are imprisoned, excluded from families and communities, and deprived of livelihood and employment because of their faith in Christ. Open Doors also strengthens the persecuted church in Central Asia primarily through literature distribution, prayer support, training for Christians, socio-economic aid and persecution preparedness seminars.

Population statistic: Johnson T M and Zurlo G A, eds., World Christian Database (Leiden/Boston: Brill, accessed February 2020).
Pray for Tajikistan
  • Pray for pastors and church leaders in Tajikistan, especially those who are monitored and detained by the government. Pray they will be safe and not be unjustly targeted, and that God will sustain their faith and the faith of their families.
  • Pray for converts to Christianity from Islam who live in areas of Tajikistan where conversion means severe pressure from family and communities. Pray they would sense they have a community that transcends location and situation, and that they would know they aren’t alone.
  • Pray for the government of Tajikistan, that their hearts would be softened toward Christians and other religious minorities, and that they would allow all religious expression to flourish. Pray for the truth and hope of Jesus to break through the opposition in Tajikistan.












Stories from Tajikistan

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June 17, 2020

A Christian girl was kidnapped—Pray NOW!
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May 14, 2020

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Paul4JC

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  • Pray for pastors and church leaders in Tajikistan, especially those who are monitored and detained by the government. Pray they will be safe and not be unjustly targeted, and that God will sustain their faith and the faith of their families.
Lord God we pray for Tajikistan where so many suffer for their faith. Help them and keep them safe. For Pastor Bahrom whose church meets inside a 40-ton container. For their church building to be restored to them.
  • Pray for converts to Christianity from Islam who live in areas of Tajikistan where conversion means severe pressure from family and communities. Pray they would sense they have a community that transcends location and situation, and that they would know they aren’t alone.
God give grace to these dealing with such social pressure. Grant fellowship and support.

  • Pray for the government of Tajikistan, that their hearts would be softened toward Christians and other religious minorities, and that they would allow all religious expression to flourish. Pray for the truth and hope of Jesus to break through the opposition in Tajikistan.
...for changes in the government so believers can worship you in peace. Bless ministries and pastors with proper materials. Build your church in Tajikistan. Meet their daily needs and deliver them from evil ones. In Christ name, Amen
 
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