Christian resources, including Bibles, are heavily restricted.
bottom“He’s not healed yet after prison. He still has nightmares and feels fearful.”
– Yousef*, a Turkmen believer whose Christian relative was imprisoned
Persecution against Christians in Turkmenistan comes from both the government and the Islamic community. There are many restrictions on church life. Unless a church is registered, Christians are at risk of police raids, threats, arrests, and fines. However, even Russian Orthodox and Armenian Apostolic churches–who are registered–may have their Sunday services monitored.
The government also restricts the printing or importing of Christian materials in Turkmenistan.
Church leaders are most vulnerable to persecution. Members of the Muslim community consider them responsible for leading people away from Islam, treating them with hostility and sometimes violence.
Christians who have come from a Muslim background experience intense pressure from their families, friends, and villages. While government oppression is prevalent right across the country, these Muslim background believers in rural areas experience greater persecution.
– Pray for the physical, emotional, and spiritual wellbeing of believers as they cope with persecution.
– Pray that Bibles and Christian resources will reach the hands of those who need them.
– Ask that God would reach the hearts of Turkmen authorities. Pray that they will know the truth.
