Pray for Central Asia

When 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World was just beginning, Central Asia was cut off from the Gospel, hidden behind firm restrictions on religious and other freedoms. We have included prayer for this region in almost every guide published. And in some places we see encouraging change!

Islam has dominated in Central Asia since it arrived in the 8th century by Arab conquest. The Russian Empire restricted religious practices from the mid-1800s, in efforts to establish a secular state. The collapse of the Soviet Union led to the relaxation of these restrictions and to a revival of Islam which was supported by Muslim nations such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar who sent Qurans and funded the building of mosques.

Pray for Tajikistan

Tajikistan is the smallest, poorest and yet one of the most friendly Central Asian republics. Learn more and pray at www.pray4tajikistan.org

In 1994, 30 Days of Prayer prayed for what was known then as the “Commonwealth of Independent States” – new nations who were engaging with the rest of the world for the first time. We prayed for Christians to go to the region to help in practical ways, establishing healthcare, education, and businesses, and for resources to share the message of Jesus.

Thankfully, we have seem amazing things happen. In the last 3 decades, more Muslims have come to follow Christ in this region than ever before – tens of thousands in some nations. Thriving Christian communities, led by Muslim background believers (MBBs) have survived ongoing persecution from both Muslim and secular opposition. In some nations, Central Asian Christian leaders are even taking part in global mission events, contributing to the development of gospel resources for their own nations and creating their own worship songs and traditions.

Yet a vast majority of Central Asians have never heard the Good News. And Central Asia remains one of the least-reached parts of the world. So pray for more workers to come to this harvest field and more fruit among them!

How to Pray

• Pray that God would send more workers in His harvest field. (Matthew 9:38)
• Pray for the many small fellowships in Central Asia to be discipled wisely and to have the resources they need. (Philippians 1:9-11)
• Pray for governments to protect religious freedom and allow Christians to worship safely and be able to contribute to the development of their nations. (Colossians 1:9-12)
• Pray for the Muslim majority to have opportunity to Christians and come to faith. (1 Peter 3:15)