Day 12
Uzbekistan
Flooding and mudslides have devastated parts of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan, destroying homes, and resulting in some deaths. Pray for the families who are grieving the deaths of loved ones, and the loss of homes and livelihoods. In these difficult times, we pray and contend with faith that the Good News of Jesus Christ will reach those who most need to hear it. Pray that Christians in these nations will have opportunities to meet the felt needs of those who are struggling. May the tangible love and presence of God lead people to salvation (The Bible, Psalm 41:1).
The gateway from Asia to Europe, Uzbekistan is Central Asia’s most populous country. The lucrative drug trade flows through this gateway, yet the country remains impoverished. Every autumn, the government requires over one million adults and children to pick cotton, ranking Uzbekistan second on the list for global modern day slavery. In 2018 Uzbekistan opened its borders with Tajikistan, which facilitated positive exchange between churches in these nations. Although it is a secular state promoting Islam, the government opposes Islamization. With an “iron fist,” Uzbek leaders control Islamic factions and target Christian Believers.
