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TurkmenistanRestricted
Christian Persecution in Turkmenistan
Overview:
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 meet openly, but they are closely monitored. 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
Prayer Requests:
- Pray for house-church leaders, who have felt increasing pressure from government officials.
- Ask the Lord to provide opportunities for Turkmen to access Christian broadcasts and hear the gospel.
- Pray for a local evangelist who was fined and later fled the country fearing imprisonment.
- Pray that Christians will boldly seek opportunities to share their faith.
- Bibles in the local language are illegal. Pray that Christians will find ways to access God's Word.