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Uzbekistan

• Authorities Attempt to Stifle Ministry of Children's Camps

  The government officials of Uzbekistan, a country once part of the former Soviet Union before its independence in 1991, is attempting to deprive the registered Baptist Union of the land it owns and uses to run summer camps for children and families. State officials are claiming -- without any apparent legal foundation -- that the land was "illegally" purchased in 2000.

  In a separate incident, an unrelated children's camp organized by local Protestants in the Samarkand Region was raided. It is reported that the raid made against 31 participating adults and children included the deployment of 30 regular police officers, 20 members of the riot police squad, and 30 additional officials from the regional tax authorities, fire department, Sanitary-Epidemiological Department, as well as members of the regional administration.

  Reportedly, the police officers began brandishing their rubber batons during the raid. They "collected statements from everyone -- even from small children separated from their parents." After over six hours of questioning, and additional raids made on the alleged organizers' homes, it is expected that charges will be brought against six Protestants.

  Representatives of the Baptist Union have filed a complaint to the Prosecutor-General, stating that "the future of Uzbekistan cannot be built on the plundering of religious organizations." Other stories of persecution can be found at the Uzbekistan Country Report.

  Despite the frustrations of having to contend with opposing government officials, may God grant the leaders of these Christian camps much wisdom, patience, and an extra measure of His grace. In fact, may their response to the opposition serve as a strong and vibrant Christian witness to all involved. Our Lord promises in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of Hades will not prevail against the church, and that includes the church in Uzbekistan. As a result of His intervention in both situations, pray that these ministries will be able to move forward boldly... reaching even more people with the Gospel.

• Carrying a Bible Considered Criminal Activity

  Sharofat Allamova, a Protestant from Urgench in northwestern Uzbekistan, has been given one and a half years of corrective labour, after being convicted under criminal charges for the "illegal production, storage, import or distribution of religious literature."

  As a result, the convicted Christian woman will be placed in a low-paying state job, her salary being further reduced by having to pay 20 percent of it to the state during her sentence. She will only be permitted to travel within Uzbekistan with written state permission and is banned from leaving the country. It has been stated that the NSS secret police compelled witnesses to make false statements against Sharofat.

  In other cases, fines have been imposed on believers in the capital of Tashkent for meeting in private homes and for having Christian literature, which includes carrying a personal Bible or New Testament. For previous reports and video footage on the plight of Christians in this nation, please go to the Uzbekistan Country Report.

  May Sharofat and the other convicted believers experience an extra measure of God's grace as they face these challenges, seizing them as opportunities to serve as vibrant Christian witnesses and thus reveal the character of Christ through their Godly response and attitude. Pray that He will help these believers to remain steadfast in their faith (Philippians 4:12-13), causing them to triumph. Ask the Lord to also work mightily in the hearts of the country's citizens, including the governmental leaders, in order to bring about genuine religious freedom to Uzbekistan. In the meantime, may the members of the church continue to spur each other on spiritually, wholeheartedly worship the Lord and eagerly learn from His Word.

• Christian Woman Faces Imprisonment After Police Raid

  During the month of January, the home of a Christian woman in northwest Uzbekistan (Urgench) was raided on two separate occasions by police. As a result, Sharofat Allamova is now facing criminal prosecution for "illegally" storing religious literature. During the first raid, which took place on January 4th, officers confiscated a total of three Christian books, two DVDs (a Christian film and a sermon), and a video titled, "Life in the Church." The second raid took place just 12 days later, but no religious materials were found in the home at that time.

  Due to previous convictions of a similar nature, Sharofat could face a fine of up to 200 times the minimum monthly wage or a prison term of up to three years. In 2007, she was given a six-month suspended jail term after Christian books and films were found in her bag while aboard a bus. In May of 2012, she was fined ten times the minimum monthly wage for possessing religious literature.

  Christians in the Tashkent Region are also upset and outraged over an incident that took place on December 24th, 2012, as church members were beginning their Christmas celebrations. In this case, Judge Ikrom Obidov fined four local believers and ordered the destruction of Bibles. This judge has already punished many people locally for exercising their right to freedom of religion or belief. In an appeal made against an earlier fine imposed by Obidov, an appeal judge ignored evidence that the original case against believer Vadim Shim had been fabricated. For more about the challenges faced by the followers of Jesus in Uzbekistan, review the Uzbekistan Country Report.

  May the Lord Himself, who has promised to be a "Vindicator" of His people, personally take up the cause of these oppressed Christians in the nation of Uzbekistan, meting out justice on their behalf. Also pray that these believers will be further encouraged by His Word, mindful that the 'schemes of men' will never thwart His purposes (Job 42:2). Ask that His strength and wisdom be imparted to Sharofat throughout the legal process and that the outcome of her trial be favourable. May the reverential fear of God come upon Judge Ikrom Obidov and others in positions of judicial authority so that they will honour Him by raising up a standard of truth, righteousness and justice.

• Christians Fined for Singing and Reading Bibles on Holiday

  Bibles and other literature were confiscated during the raid.

  Uzbekistan continues to raid people exercising freedom of religion or belief without state permission. On December 1st, police raided a group of about 80 Protestants who were on holiday together at the Simurg (Phoenix) resort in the Bostanlyk District of Tashkent Region. Charges under six different articles of the Code of Administrative Offences have been brought against four of the group who were meeting together to discuss their faith and sing Christian songs. During the raid, three Bibles and 100 Christian songbooks were confiscated. Witnesses say police "insulted the believers with abusive words...and threatened that they could bring criminal charges against the believers unless they wrote statements." Fingerprints were taken of all present.

  When asked why the authorities would punish people whose only "offence" was to read their Bibles and sing Christian songs on holiday, a police representative stated that people "must do it only in registered places specifically set up for religious purposes." The officer then declined to comment further on why police violate the right to freedom of religion or belief. "I am not authorized to give more comments," he said.

  In November, three Protestants were fined sums of between 20 and 100 times the minimum monthly wage for meeting together, reading their Bibles, singing Christian songs, praying and possessing religious books. All of these books, including Bibles, were ordered to be destroyed. For more on how Uzbekistan's political system is oppressing Christians, go to the Uzbekistan Country Report. You may also want to read how it has affected the lives of other believers: click here for more information.

  As Canadian believers in a country founded on Christian principles, may we never take for granted the privileges of being able to freely read the Bible, meet with fellow Christians, and sing songs of praise and worship – without concern of police arrest, heavy fines or imprisonment. Pray that the Church in Uzbekistan will one day be able to experience such blessings. Ask the Lord to place God-fearing leaders in all levels of government and, as a result, bring about positive change to the country's legislature concerning freedom of religion. In the meantime, pray that these believers will be strengthened and encouraged to keep living for Jesus.

• Update: Jail sentence for Christian refugee if deportation to Uzbekistan proceeds

  Makset Djabbarbergenov with his son Photo courtesy of the Djabbarbergenov family

  Uzbekistan is seeking to extradite a detained refugee, Makset Djabbarbergenov, from Kazakhstan on charges which carry a maximum 15 year jail term. Makset, a Protestant pastor, has been recognized as a refugee by the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees.

  Makset, who fled to Kazakhstan, is being sought by Uzbekistan for exercising freedom of religion or belief in his home town of Nukus (for more, click here). On October 15, a court in Almaty, Kazakhstan, authorized further detention until November 5. The court also claimed that the Uzbek charges -- which seek to prosecute exercising freedom of religion or belief -- can be equated to terrorism-related charges in Kazakh law.

  Makset's wife has been stopped by Kazakh authorities from visiting him, as has a human rights defender who found he is being held in solitary confinement. The Supreme Court claims it cannot find an appeal he lodged in August.

  Please pray the Lord will intervene in this case and that Makset will not be deported. Pray the Lord will give Makset and his wife the strength to remain faithful so that He will be glorified as they steadfastly fix their eyes on what is eternal (2 Corinthians 4). Pray the Lord will strengthen His church in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan.

  To learn more about Uzbekistan's persecuted Church, go to the Uzbekistan Country Report.

• Raids and confiscations of Christian literature rampant

  Valentina Pleshakova and her daughter, Natalya Photo: Uznews.net

  Authorities continue to raid homes, confiscate religious literature and interrupt Christian worship in Uzbekistan, punishing alleged offenders with fines of up to 50 times the minimum wage.

  In one case, court bailiffs confiscated basic household goods owned by Artur and Irina Alpayev to compensate for an unpaid fine they received for "illegally" keeping Christian books in their home. A refrigerator, piano, washing machine and dining table were taken from the Baptist couple who require these items to care for their five children.

  Police also raided the home of Valentina Pleshakova and her disabled daughter, Natalya, seizing and destroying their religious literature and beating Natalya. Police then pressured Natalya to convert to Islam. The women were freed the following morning. Although they were each heavily fined, the fine was converted into an "official warning" after the intervention of the head of the Russian Orthodox Church in Uzbekistan.

  Please pray that these anti-Christian acts of hostility will be thwarted. Pray that the Alpayev family's belongings will be returned. Pray that Valentina and Natalya will remain steadfast in their faith, acting as an example to believers and non-believers alike. Pray that God will grow His Church in Uzbekistan.

  To learn more about the trials believers face in Uzbekistan, go to the Uzbekistan Country Report.

• Update: Uzbek pastor facing extradition case

  Makset Djabbarbergenov with his wife, Aigul, and three sons in 2010. The couple now has four boys, and is expecting a fifth child. Photo courtesy of the Djabbarbergenov family

  A Protestant pastor who was wanted in his home country of Uzbekistan for illegally teaching religion and distributing literature has been arrested by authorities in Kazakhstan, where he sought refuge in 2007.

  The husband and soon-to-be father of five, Makset Djabbarbergenov, was detained after police held his sister-in-law for two weeks in an effort to uncover his whereabouts. The 32-year-old pastor faces up to three years in prison for each violation (for more, click here). A court in Kazakhstan has ordered that Makset be held in detention until the General Prosecutor's Office decides whether to send him back.

  Please pray that Makset will not be extradited. Please pray that his growing family will remain united in Christ. Pray that Makset and his family will not be fearful but will trust God (Revelation 2:10). Pray that authorities in Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan will seek justice and truth in this case.

  To learn more about the suffering Church in Uzbekistan, please visit the Uzbekistan Country Report.

• Christians charged

  A Baptist believer in Uzbekistan, who was charged with illegally teaching religion, faces up to three years in prison.

  Yelena Kim's home church was raided by about a dozen police and government officials in April during a Sunday service. Officers drew up a record of an offence against Yelena even though she was not present when the raid occurred. She has been accused of violating the procedure for teaching religious doctrine, a charge which carries a maximum three year prison term. Officials also drew up records against her husband, Eduard Kim, and church member Losif Skaev. The Kims had received fines in previous cases against them for similar allegations.

  Officers returned to the church in June with a search warrant and ordered church members to leave while they searched the premises, seizing printed materials, music, disks, a photocopier and Bibles. Church members, meanwhile, gathered outside to pray and sing. Officers also threatened to bring charges against the worshippers and filmed them. Losif's home was also searched and 150 Bibles were confiscated along with some of his personal property and his passport.

  Please pray that Yelena will be acquitted and that the persecution of this house church will cease. Pray that the property that was seized will be returned and that the Bibles will be put into the hands of those hungry for God's Word. Pray that this church's passion for Christ will be the light that draws others to Jesus (Matthew 5:14-16).

  To learn more about the suffering Church in Uzbekistan, please visit the Uzbekistan Country Report.

• Christians harassed

  Police in Uzbekistan recently raided a home where Christians were meeting, allegedly searching for a bomb which was never found. Christian books and a laptop were confiscated, however, and 14 members of the church were fined for holding an "unsanctioned meeting in a private home." Natalya Kim, who was hosting the meeting, received a fine equivalent to 60 times the minimum monthly salary in Uzbekistan.

  In another incident, three Christians were fined for not declaring their personal Bibles while crossing the border from Kazakhstan into Uzbekistan, and the Bibles were confiscated.

  All religious literature in Uzbekistan is under tight, state censorship, and courts frequently order the destruction of religious literature. Some churches are standing against the unjust laws, refusing to register with the state since requiring registration is a violation of the international human rights agreements Uzbekistan has formally promised to implement. Recently, Christians from two separate church locations were fined for the unregistered exercise of freedom of religion or belief.

  Please pray that Natalya Kim will be rewarded for exhibiting such faith and for opening up her home to Christian brothers and sisters despite the risks to her own security and safety. Pray that the Lord will protect and encourage believers who are standing against unjust laws in Uzbekistan. Pray that Christians in Uzbekistan will rejoice in the opportunity to grow in Christlikeness through the ongoing opposition they face (James 1:2-4).

  To learn more about the suffering Church in Uzbekistan, please visit the Uzbekistan Country Report.

• Illegal prosecutions and punishments

  Sergei Kozin has been fined 80 times the minimum monthly wage after a police raid on a group of Baptists in Sergeli District near Tashkent, Uzbekistan, in July. The case was brought forward even though it was beyond the legal time limit to bring charges. Baptists stated that the case was fabricated, with the alleged witness not producing the required identity documents. The judge in the case had noted the lack of evidence and legal documents produced by police.

  In another case, after being summoned to a police station for questioning on October 16, two schoolgirls stopped coming to a church. The police threatened them that "they will be in police records and thrown out of school."

  The next month, five officials raided a home in Fergana without a search warrant on November 19. When the wife of the occupant refused the officials entry, they pushed her out of the way and confiscated about 100 Christian books, DVDs and a computer.

  Please pray for Christians in Uzbekistan who are continually targeted by authorities. Pray the Lord will give believers wisdom when dealing with those who oppose their Christian activities. Pray the Church will continue to grow in spite of restrictions.

  To learn more about the suffering Church in Uzbekistan, please visit the Uzbekistan Country Report.