Day 21
Turkmenistan
Like most nations in Central Asia, Turkmenistan is coping with an unusually cold winter, with temperatures falling to -25 degrees C (-13 F). Schools have closed, those serving in the military are getting sick, thousands of cattle have frozen to death. Turkmenistan suspended its exports of fuel to Uzbekistan, Iran, and China in order to have enough fuel for its own nation. Pray for the health and welfare of children, elderly, and other vulnerable people. Pray for this nation to call on the Lord whose Father heart is always listening to the cries of the people, ready to rescue and strengthen with His righteous right hand (The Bible, Isaiah 41:10).
Although a country with mighty oil and gas reserves, in the past two years its struggling economy has resulted in widespread food shortages. Turkmenistan is one of the most isolated and consolidated authoritarian regimes in the world. It lacks basic freedoms, judicial independence, and accountable institutions, and it discriminates against ethnic minorities. Turkmenistan’s dictator seeks to control every aspect of life. The government justifies its tough methods with a need to prevent an escalation of radical Islam. On the World Watch List persecution ranking, Turkmenistan fell from 19 to 25, however, the country is still one of the world’s most oppressive. Christians are often labeled as “extremists” and face persecution from authorities and local communities. There are only about 1000 Christian Believers in this nation.
