Get a FREE copy of VOM’s Global Prayer Guide with any gift
Give Now
TajikistanRestricted
Christian Persecution in Tajikistan
Overview:
Most churches in Tajikistan have been forced to meet covertly for more than a decade, following the revocation of their registration. Economic hardship in the nation has forced many pastors and church leaders to seek work in Russia to support their families. Tajikistan lacks basic infrastructure, and its difficulties are compounded by corruption and the opium trade. The country has experienced an influx of refugees from Afghanistan and has the Taliban at its border.
Major Religion:
Nearly all Tajiks are Sunni Muslims. Fewer than one-half of 1 percent are Christians.
Persecutor:
Christian converts from Islam are persecuted by family members, and unregistered churches are increasingly harassed by the government.
What It Means To Follow Christ In Tajikistan
New Christian converts receive the harshest treatment. Believers are sometimes beaten and abused, and they are frequently summoned for questioning by the secret police. Many churches meet openly, but government informants are often in attendance. It is illegal to teach children about Christ. The government restricts evangelism and the distribution of Christian literature, which it considers “extremist literature.” Many have left Islam to follow Christ in recent years despite the extreme opposition.
Access To Bibles
Bibles are available only in select cities, making them scarce and difficult for some believers to access. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM provides Bibles, Christian literature and other resources and ministry tools to equip believers for outreach. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for Dinara, who was beaten by her family and escaped an attempted forced marriage after becoming a Christian.
- Pray for Tajik women who, after converting to Christianity, are pressured by their family to return to Islam.
- Pray for the provision of pastors and other church leaders, many of whom must seek work in Russia.
- Pray that believers who are beaten and questioned by the secret police will remain strong in Christ.
- Pray for unregistered churches that are harassed by the government.