In July 2005, authorities in the autonomous region of Karakalpakstan in Uzbekistan revoked the registration of the Emmanuel Full Gospel Church in Nukus (click here for more details). Members of the congregation gathered at the Khoja Hotel on April 30 for an Easter celebration when as many as fifty police officers stormed the meeting. According to Forum 18, police demanded that everyone there write a statement, as they were issuing threats and frightening young children present. On the same day, police also raided land owned by the church. The caretaker, Azat Kaldybekov was severely beaten and is being treated for a broken arm. The Karakalpakstan Justice Ministry is demanding that the property be turned over to the government.
In the wake of the raids, children who were present at the Easter service are being summoned to the Prosecutor's Office where they are being pressured to sign statements renouncing their faith and saying they will no longer attend Christian meetings. Parents are being pressured to give statements that they will no longer "attract their children to Christianity." Failure to comply could mean their children will be taken from them.
Pray that Azat Kaldybekov will soon recover from his injuries. Pray that these believers, regardless of their age, will not give in to fear but will stand firm in the faith (2 Timothy 1:7). Ask God to work in the minds of those in authority to allow Christians to meet freely and maintain Christian homes. Pray that these believers will rely on the Holy Spirit's wisdom in answering their accusers (Luke 12:12).
For more information on persecution of Christians in Uzbekistan, click here.
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