Day 12
Uzbekistan
Homes, businesses, and hospitals in Uzbekistan have been experiencing electricity and heating gas shortages much earlier this year than normal. One hospital was without electricity for five hours. People are concerned that the shortages became regular before winter even began. Pray for protection around the health and well-being of those who are poor and vulnerable. Pray for provision to last through the winter. Pray that Christians in Uzbekistan will take care of one another, building trust and community this winter as most of Europe faces a winter with energy shortages (The Bible, Philippians 2:4).
Source: Uzbekistan bedeviled by widespread energy shortages (Eurasianet)
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. Reforms in Uzbekistan’s cotton industry that have been gaining momentum since 2016 appear to have essentially eradicated the controversial child and slave labor linked to the annual cotton harvesting. The reforms have also improved relationships with other nations in the region and brought a bit more openness to the nation. Although it is a secular state promoting Islam, the government opposes Islamization. With an “iron fist,” Uzbek leaders control Islamic factions. With that same “iron fist,” Uzbek authorities target Christian Believers and limit freedom for church gatherings.
