Restricted
Turkmenistan
Turkmenistan is a profoundly restricted country in which Christian worship is limited to churches that are part of government-sanctioned denominations. Despite the restrictions, the gospel is proclaimed regularly through media and personal testimonies. Although Turkmenistan has a long history of isolation and dictatorship, the country has prospered economically because of its natural gas reserves and access to the Caspian Sea.
Major Religion
94 percent of Turkmen are Sunni Muslims. Almost 4 percent are Christians.
Persecutor
The government persecutes Christians outside government-sanctioned denominations.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN TURKMENISTAN
Churches are closely monitored, and Christians' homes may be raided at any time by authorities searching for Christian literature. Some families worship together in secret. If the government learns of a Turkmen becoming a Christian, the new believer faces immediate harassment and pressure. It is also difficult for believers to travel outside the country for Christian training or encouragement.
Access to Bibles
A Turkmen-language Bible has been published, but the government has declared it illegal and it is difficult to obtain. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM helps families of imprisoned pastors and distributes Christian literature throughout the country. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Turkmenistan
- Pray for pastors who have been harassed and arrested. Ask the Lord to encourage and embolden them.
- Ask the Lord for opportunities and creative strategies for more front-line workers to serve in Turkmenistan.
- Pray that the government will allow more churches to operate openly as none have been registered since 2007.
- Pray for house church leaders like Batyr, who has been arrested many times. Pray that he and his wife know God's peace.
- Ask the Lord to bless sports and youth ministries that reach young people with the gospel.
