Security Forces Raid Church Service

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Eight officers of the National Security Committee raided the Sunday morning service of an unregistered Baptist church in Balkanabad in western Turkmenistan on March 16. According to Forum 18 News Service, the church was accused of violating the law on religious cults and holding an unapproved meeting. It is unclear if any charges will be laid against those in attendance.

The church belongs to the International Council of Churches of Evangelical Christians/Baptists, which rejects registration. However, Turkmenistan does not specifically forbid unregistered religious meetings.

Pray for freedom to worship without harassment in Turkmenistan and many of the other former Soviet republics. Pray that Christians will stand firm for Christ in spite of opposition from the authorities.

  • Country Information

    Population
    5,690,818 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity (%)
    Turkmen (85), Uzbek (5), Russian (4), other (6)

    Religion (%)
    Islam (93), Christian (6.4)

    Leader
    President Serdar Berdimuhamedov (2022)

    Government type
    Presidential republic; authoritarian

    Legal system
    Civil law system with Islamic law influences

    Source: CIA World Factbook

    Pray for Turkmenistan

    Pray that the Lord will give the suffering members of the church in Turkmenistan the strength and determination to stand firm amid opposition and oppression. May they be granted opportunities to meet together for meaningful times of worship, Bible study and fellowship – encouraging and edifying one another in the Christian faith. Despite governmental restrictions, and the threat of fine or imprisonment, may the church in Turkmenistan flourish and bear much good fruit.

  • Pray for Turkmenistan

    Pray that the Lord will give the suffering members of the church in Turkmenistan the strength and determination to stand firm amid opposition and oppression. May they be granted opportunities to meet together for meaningful times of worship, Bible study and fellowship – encouraging and edifying one another in the Christian faith. Despite governmental restrictions, and the threat of fine or imprisonment, may the church in Turkmenistan flourish and bear much good fruit.

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Turkmenistan News

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    Christians studying the Bible - Photo: World Watch Monitor www.worldwatchmonitor.org
    Pray that Turkmen believers will have opportunities to share God’s truths.
    Photo: World Watch Monitor

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