Day 16
Tajikistan
More than 300 people fled Taliban violence in Afghanistan into neighboring Tajikistan, with more people expected in the coming weeks. The refugees included many children and families bringing their livestock with them. Pray for Tajikistan as they respond to the needs of these refugees. Pray that God will open the door for Christian Believers to go and help. May the Lord open opportunities for the Good News of Jesus Christ to be shared with these refugees. In their desperation, may their hearts and minds be soft and open. Today we declare that now is the time for people all across Tajikistan to step into God’s Kingdom (The Bible, Proverbs 14:31).
Source: More than 300 Afghans flee into Tajikistan as Taliban advances (Al Jazeera)
Central Asia’s poorest nation, Tajikistan has never recovered from the Soviet era. After five years of civil war following the 1991 Soviet collapse, an UN-brokered peace deal resulted. Secular forces dominate, but economic stability hasn’t returned. Tajikistan voted to allow its president to rule indefinitely. Each year greater legislative restrictions oppress the Tajik masses. Secular forces also dictate religious law. Although the constitution guarantees religious freedom, oppression is widespread. Tajikistan has been terribly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.
