Restricted
Kazakhstan
Formerly under Communist rule as a republic of the Soviet Union, Kazakhstan is one of Central Asia’s wealthiest nations because of its vast mineral resources. Islam has experienced a resurgence since the fall of the Soviet Union, and many have returned to what they consider their Muslim heritage, which was restricted for decades by atheistic communism. Today, Kazakhstan emulates its European neighbors, undertaking massive construction projects, enjoying a growing economy and adopting the Latin alphabet used by Western nations.
Major Religion
52 percent of Kazakhs are Sunni Muslims. The next-largest group includes those who are atheists or non-religious, a legacy of atheistic Communist rule. 15 percent of the population are Christians.
Persecutor
Christians are persecuted by their families and communities. Churches and Christians outside Russian Orthodoxy are restricted and harassed by the government through excessive fines, loss of land, and restrictions on teaching children about religion.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN KAZAKHSTAN
Christian converts are often disowned by their families and publicly shamed. All religious activities must be registered with the government, and believers are commonly fined for distributing unauthorized religious texts, discussing faith or holding worship meetings. The government allows more freedom to Russian Orthodox Christians, who make up nearly 15 percent of the population, but they are suspicious of Christians outside the Orthodox churches who worship in the native Kazakh language. Unregistered churches must meet in private homes, and the process to register a church gets more difficult daily.
Access to Bibles
Bibles are available, but distribution is restricted, and they are difficult to obtain outside large cities. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM provides Bibles and supports front-line workers in the most difficult areas. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Kazakhstan
- Pray that more Christians will become indigenous missionaries.
- Kazakhs who leave Islam can face severe persecution. Pray that they will be encouraged and stand firm in faith.
- Pray for effective outreach efforts to tribal leaders and heads of households.
- Many areas in this vast country do not have a single church. Pray that more will be planted.
- Pray that more Bibles in multiple native languages will be available and accessible to Christians outside the capital.
