Day 16: Kyrgyzstan & Turkey
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Kyrgyzstan & Turkey
⛪️ Common Obstacles that can slow our efforts to begin new churches
A person who becomes a Christian in Turkey or Kyrgyzstan, especially from a Muslim background, may face strong pressure from family and neighbors to return to their former faith. Relatives may see the decision as rejecting family traditions. New believers can face rejection, isolation, loss of financial support, or difficulty keeping their jobs. Some also face threats or physical violence. These pressures vary by family and community; not every new Christian experiences them.
Both governments place serious barriers in the way of starting new churches, though they use different methods. Their policies suggest suspicion toward Christian activity, especially when foreign workers are involved.
Kyrgyzstan: The government tightly controls religious activity through registration rules. Its 2025 law requires religious groups to have at least 500 founders living in the same region and an approved meeting location. Religious activity without registration is prohibited, creating a major barrier for small, new congregations.
Turkey: Authorities often make it difficult for Protestant churches to gain legal recognition or approval for worship spaces. The government has also blocked or expelled foreign Christian workers, citing national security concerns. These actions make starting and supporting new churches difficult.
🙏🏼 Three Prayer Requests for those laboring to plant new churches
Ask God to give Christians in Kyrgyzstan and Turkey courage, wisdom, and love as they share Christ and gather new believers into churches.
Ask God to work in the hearts of government officials to remove barriers that prevent new churches from gaining legal recognition and finding safe places to meet.
Ask God to raise up faithful local pastors and church planters, provide the training and support they need, and strengthen believers who face pressure from family or neighbors.
🌍 Two Interesting Facts about our movement in these countries
We first entered Kyrgyzstan in 1997. Currently there is one established church.
We first entered Turkey in 2002. Currently there are no established churches.
♥️ One Precious Promise as we seek to plant new churches
“Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you. But rejoice insofar as you share Christ's sufferings, that you may also rejoice and be glad when his glory is revealed. If you are insulted for the name of Christ, you are blessed, because the Spirit of glory and of God rests upon you.”
—1 Peter 4:12–14
