Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan is a profoundly restricted country. There are only eight Protestant churches in this nation of 5.6 million people and commitment to Islam is growing among the population. In spite of restrictions, the Gospel is being proclaimed regularly through satellite television and personal testimonies. The country has prospered economically because of its natural gas reserves and access to the Caspian Sea. However, due to its long history of dictatorship, Turkmenistan remains closed and isolated. School children must swear an oath of allegiance to the government every morning.

Life for Christians

The publishing of religious literature and the use of cell phones within the country have been banned by the government, which also controls all Internet access. As no unregistered religious groups are allowed, and religious communities have been unable to register for years, Christians who gather for worship or prayer are subject to police raids and other forms of harassment. Unregistered congregations are prohibited from gathering publicly, proselytizing or disseminating religious materials. As a result, participants in house church services have been beaten and fined, experienced salary reductions, and/or had their personal properties and businesses seized. Authorities have also issued warnings to Christian parents, stating that their children will be kept under close scrutiny at school. Whenever believers want to travel out of the country for Christian training or encouragement, they face added difficulties with customs authorities.