Six ways persecuted Christians in Central Asia are being strengthened
In Central Asia, life for Christians in many countries can be difficult. The region includes Kyrgyzstan (No. 47 on Open Doors 2025 World Watch List), Kazakhstan (No. 38), Uzbekistan (No. 25), Tajikistan (No. 39) and Turkmenistan (No. 29)—believers in each of these countries can experience high levels of persecution and discrimination because of their faith in Jesus.
The work needed to support persecuted Christians in Central Asia can be dangerous, too, which is why Open Doors often talks about our work in the broad region rather than a particular country. The risk is usually too great to specify the area.
Nevertheless, Central Asian Christians want you to know God is at work! And thanks to your gifts and prayers, Open Doors has made a huge difference over the last year.
Here are just a few ways God has used your support to strengthen His Kingdom in Central Asia:
1. Summer camps
“I met my best friend, Jesus Christ.”
Each year, Open Doors partners organize summer camps to bring young people together. Many of the youth who attend these camps face opposition from their families for their faith, so camp offers a much-needed break from the pressures of home. Camp also gives these kids a rare opportunity to have fellowship with other young people, allowing them to rest, recharge and rekindle their faith.
Summer camps are also practical tools for outreach, as they allow young people who may not be believers to learn more about Christian values and teachings in ways that spark their interest and curiosity to learn more about God.
“My life has completely changed at this camp,” says Emma*, one young person who attended one of these summer camps. “Most of all, I liked the Bible lessons and the worship time. A lot has changed in me. I have become more patient, and I have started to look at life as a believer. I have wonderful impressions of the camp. I have found many friends here. Most importantly, I met my best friend, Jesus Christ. I carry the love of Christ in my heart and look forward to the next camp.”
2. Training courses
“Now I can help others!”
Open Doors partners in Central Asia are also working to train leaders and believers to become mature Christians who know their Bible and act according to God’s Word. To help with that, our local partners held several training courses for believers.
Amida*, a Christian who converted from Islam, attended one of these seminars. She participated in a women’s training organized by a partner of Open Doors in Central Asia. When she came to the camp, Amida had endured a season of difficulty and pain. She felt exhausted and lost and did not expect to receive much from the training. But during the three days she spent there, she was completely transformed.
After researching the topic most needed by women in Central Asia, organizers decided to focus on trauma counseling. During the training, participants had the opportunity to learn about negative emotions and depression—its signs, and how to cope with it.
“I learned about grief and its negative effects,” Amida says. “I learned how I can go through it in a ‘healthy way’ to avoid emotional destruction. The knowledge of this Open Doors training helped me understand my own feelings and the condition of my heart. This was also useful for my ministry to other women. Now I can help others!”
3. Media distribution
Hurting people learn they are not alone
Media teams supported by Open Doors provide productions like videos, audiobooks, films, worship songs and cartoons for the church in Central Asia. In many regions, there is no Internet, or only mobile Internet too expensive for most people living there. This means they have no way to consume any Christian content online. That’s why we add this media to SD cards, making it accessible for people to view on their phones. This helps a lot in reaching hearts, as people can visually see and hear movies, audiobooks and songs. We also have several YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Telegram and TikTok channels.
Samila* is a Christian convert from Islam who was extremely isolated and lonely because of an illness that left her without friends or family. She responded to a YouTube video on an account run by Open Doors, and Open Doors partners were able to contact her and even get her a Bible. They also helped her see that in Jesus, she is not alone, but that she is loved—by God and by Christians! Her story shows how important it can be to reach people where they are.
4. Bibles and Christian material distribution
“Miracles began to happen in our family.”
In many places in Central Asia, Bibles or other Christian books and materials can be very difficult to come by. Even if they are legal to own, sharing them can be risky. Printing Bibles can be even more difficult—especially in the native language of persecuted believers.
That’s why Open Doors partners work hard, thanks to your support, to help people gain access to the Word of God, along with the training and support to help them grow in faith. This discipleship is vital and helps the church survive and thrive.
One family recently received Christian books and sent us a note about the difference it’s made in their lives. “A year ago, we became believers in Jesus Christ,” the mother in the family wrote to us.
“Everything was so new to us, and we really needed wisdom and training on how to live as Christians. Thanks to the books you brought us in our native language, miracles began to happen in our family! We used to communicate very little with each other; each of us was doing our own thing. But after reading the book about Christian family life that you, Open Doors, gave us, we see how our family is
changing. The children became obedient, and my husband and I began to make plans for our family life and set the right priorities for all of us. The books we read were not only inspiring but also gave us wisdom on how to raise our children and have harmony in the family. Our family is truly happy now.”
5. Supporting Afghan Refugees
30 Afghans Baptized
After the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan in 2021, thousands of Afghans fled to neighboring countries, including to many Central Asian nations. Open Doors helps Afghan refugees in Central Asia by providing basic needs such as food, blankets, medicine, winter coats, shoes, socks, diapers, and other essential items as they reach out to around 8,000 Afghan refugees every week.
Thanks to your gifts and prayers, our partners are also involved in providing clean water to refugees and locals in the surrounding area by supporting the construction of three freshwater wells. Ahmad*, one Open Doors partner, helped the Afghan refugee community with practical aid and is also reaching out with the gospel. “We help people with clothes, winter coats, shoes, diapers, medical assistance and other practical matters,” he says. “Just the fact that we look out for them makes them curious. Through the project with the wells, about 300 families have already heard about Jesus. They meet in house groups. Thirty Afghans have been baptized in just one month.”
6. Supporting Deaf Believers
An Incredible Harvest
In many places in Central Asia, deafness is regarded by Muslims as a curse from God.
Deaf people are rejected and left without any support or fellowship. That’s why open Doors partners regularly work with deaf people—and God is doing a mighty thing by showing His goodness and hope to the deaf community.
Recently, 100 new deaf believers attended a discipleship and Bible training. They came from various countries and villages in Central Asia. They learned the basic principles of the Bible and Christianity, as they had recently accepted Christ into their hearts. It is very important for these new Christians to learn how to live according to biblical principles. This kind of discipleship is essential for the growth of the Body in this part of the world!
These are just a few of the ways that your prayers and support are changing lives in Central Asia. Through your generosity and prayers for your brothers and sisters in this region, God has done mighty things to grow and strengthen His Church. Thank you and rejoice with us in these powerful ways the light of Christ is blazing!
