How we Got Started: Kyrgyzstan
The Birth of the Charis Alliance Movement in Kyrgyzstan
The Charis Alliance's journey in Kyrgyzstan began over two decades ago, planted by the vision and faithfulness of two families from Grace Church of Long Beach, who arrived in the late 1990s. Their hearts were set on two key goals: planting a church for the Kyrgyz-speaking community and engaging university students with the gospel. These early efforts laid the groundwork for a spiritual movement that continues today.
The Growth of the Charis Movement in Kyrgyzstan
Eddy* joined this mission in 2008, following a journey to faith that began with his pastor at Hope Grace in Dillsburg. His call to missions was strengthened through a small group and eventually connected him to Kyrgyzstan through Encompass World Partners. By the time he arrived, the Charis team in Kyrgyzstan had expanded to include additional team members. They all focused on establishing local leadership, promoting gospel outreach, building up small businesses, and connecting with university students.
The road wasn’t easy, though. Many local men had to leave the country to find work, making it challenging to grow the church and raise leaders locally. By 2010, the fledgling church had dwindled to around 20 members, and the local pastor was preparing to leave. Determined to help it thrive again, the team refocused. By 2017, local leadership had strengthened enough to appoint two elders, empowering the church to grow under Kyrgyz leadership.
That same year, the team responded to a growing community of Russian speakers by starting a Russian-language church, which started with just six people. Today, there is a congregation of around 50–70, and the team has appointed three elders to help lead. They now hope to send out three families to plant a third church within the next two years.
Another significant step forward came in 2017, with the creation of a business development organization. It aimed to provide sustainable jobs for impoverished and persecuted believers. That way, it could foster a path to economic stability and resilience for the local church. With this support, local entrepreneurs have established a number of businesses like a coffee shop and roasting business, a software training initiative, and an expanding network of feed stores. These businesses have enabled outreach to remote villages, providing the church with a unique avenue to connect with unreached communities.
Through these varied ministries, the Charis Alliance has sown seeds that are bearing fruit. God is working powerfully to expand His kingdom in Kyrgyzstan. He’s working through businesses which are run by some of the only believers in their areas. And there are always ongoing efforts toward discipleship and church-planting. Every year, the gospel reaches hundreds, businesses grow and provide stability, and the Alliance steps closer to realizing its dream of planting a third church.
The Call to Prayer and Support
For Kyrgyz men to answer the call to local church leadership
For sustainable work opportunities to keep families rooted in Kyrgyzstan
For the creation of online resources in the Kyrgyz language to equip believers
*Name changed for security
