Uzbekistan: insights into…

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God is powerfully at work in Uzbekistan, a Muslim country ruled by one of the most repressive regimes in the former Soviet Union. There is little freedom, but the Muslim background believers of Uzbekistan know true freedom and real life in Christ. Numbering several thousand, the young Uzbek Church has experienced some persecution, but many believers are incredibly committed to Christ and are actively proclaiming Him. Some Uzbek believers are sharing Christ in nearby countries such as Turkmenistan, Afghanistan and Tajikistan. Uzbekistan is in Central Asia, north of Afghanistan.

Churches Illegal

Because it is illegal for ethnically Uzbek churches to meet, the Uzbek believers have been forced to meet in existing registered Russian or Korean church buildings or in homes. Uzbek home fellowships tend to be full of life with lots of worship, intercession, sharing struggles and joys, praying for each other, and giving people opportunities to quickly grow in leadership skills. In Uzbekistan anyone found guilty of holding a religious meeting in their home can be sent to prison for up to 17 years, in addition to having their home confiscated. Although rarely, if ever, carried out, this threat has not stopped believers from opening their homes.

The Darkness in Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan has been under the grip of darkness for centuries. Folk Islam, drug use, alcoholism and a growing problem with HIV/Aids pervade society. The economy is struggling, with a very high rate of unemployment. The majority of the rural population is under tremendous economic pressures. Countless men have been forced to seek work in other countries, particularly Russia, which has sometimes led to the break up of families. Some women in cities have turned to prostitution to make ends meet. There are many horrible human rights abuses and violations. People are hungry and desperate for relief and answers. Almost everyone turns to folk Islam for help, not realizing the depths of its deceptive and dangerous practices.

Prayer for Uzbekistan:

* Pray for the Uzbek believers that they would develop culturally appropriate worship, teaching, and fellowship, which pleases the Lord and meets deep and pressing needs.

* May God give strength and courage to Uzbek believers who are being persecuted by the government, family members, and religious leaders.

* Pray for the authorities under President Karimov’s administration. May God bring hope and change. True servant leadership is needed - not oppressive abuse of power. May God raise up Josephs and Daniels at all local and national levels!

* President Karimov’s second and last term ends in 2007 and no clear peaceful transition of power is in sight. Pray for God’s protection during this season and his provision of wise, godly leadership, which will foster the growth of his kingdom.

Testimony

A young man came from a remote region of the Karakalpakistan on the border of Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and met some Christians. He wrote a prayer: “Lord, My Father, this is the fist time I call you my father, I never thought of you in terms of being my father. But here I understood and sensed that you are my father and I am your child. I sensed how much you love mankind. I used to think of you as a punishing God. But your love exists and it is alive in Christ. Thank you for such a privilege that I could come here. Now I know that I have value in you.”

Background on Uzbekistan (World Factbook)

Russia conquered Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic set up in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive production of “white gold” (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which have left the land poisoned and the Aral Sea and certain rivers half dry. Independent since 1991, the country seeks to gradually lessen its dependence on agriculture while developing its mineral and petroleum reserves. Current concerns include terrorism by Islamic militants, economic stagnation, and the curtailment of human rights and democratization.

The Economy of Uzbekistan

Uzbekistan is a dry, landlocked country of which 11% consists of intensely cultivated, irrigated river valleys. More than 60% of its population lives in densely populated rural communities. Uzbekistan is now the world’s second-largest cotton exporter and fifth largest producer; it relies heavily on cotton production as the major source of export earnings. A sharp increase in the inequality of income distribution has hurt the lower ranks of society since independence. In December 2005, the Russians opened a “Trade House” to support and develop Russian-Uzbek business and economic ties.

About Uzbekistan

Population: 28,268,440 (July 2008 est.)

Life Expectancy at Birth: 65.38 years

Ethnic groups: Uzbek 80%, Russian 5.5%, Tajik 5%, Kazakh 3%, Karakalpak 2.5%, Tatar 1.5%, other 2.5%

Religions: Muslim 88% (mostly Sunnis), Eastern Orthodox 9%, other 3%

Languages: Uzbek 74.3%, Russian 14.2%, Tajik 4.4%, other 7.1%

Literacy: 99.3% — Male: 99.6%, Female: 99%