Meet persecuted Christians in Central Asia

Those who follow Christ in Central Asia are often rejected by society – and by their loved ones. They are also in danger of being arrested. Open Doors' teams work to strengthen Christians living under such severe oppression.

Meet Shagildy from Turkmenistan

• 'Enemy of the state'
• Home raided
• Arrested on trumped-up charges
• Imprisoned, tortured
• Released January 2002

In December 1998, Shagildy Atakov was preparing to celebrate Christmas with his wife and their five sons when security police raided his home and arrested him.

He was then sentenced on trumped-up charges and thrown into prison where he was repeatedly tortured. Local officials had reportedly been ordered to "break him morally or destroy him physically."

Following an intense prayer and advocacy campaign, Shagildy was released in January 2002.

Meet Salomo from Uzbekistan

• Established a sizeable church with no formal training
• Constantly under surveillance, isolated from other churches and leaders
• Has no access to ministerial or theological training

Since Salomo came to Christ, he has received no theological teaching or training in evangelism.

And yet, through his faithful witness, a church of 78 members has been established in his home town, a remote place with no other Christian fellowship.

Salomo is under constant surveillance and pressure by the local authorities.

They imprisoned him for six months in 1999 because of his Christian activities. This was a great strain on his wife and children.

Salomo often becomes discouraged, but his desire is to continue serving the Lord. Just like many isolated pastors, Salomo would love the chance to receive thorough Bible, pastoral and evangelism training.

Meet Sarah from Uzbekistan

• Established a church of 300 through her bold witness
• Church constantly under heavy persecution, many left
• Kidnapped by a Muslim and forced to marry him
• Forbidden to see Christians
• Pelted with stones in streets

Sarah was the first person in her hometown to become a Christian. Boldly, she shared her faith with friends and neighbours, and a church of 300 was soon established.

However, after periods of heavy persecution, many of the new converts were too frightened to attend church.

Sarah is now also unable to attend as she was kidnapped by a Muslim and forced into marriage. She is forbidden to visit her Christian friends, and on many occasions she has been pelted with stones when walking through the streets.

"I often consider leaving my husband," confides Sarah, "but I still hope he will become a believer so we can serve the Lord together."

Meet Ziyad from Uzbekistan

• Pastor of a small church
• Harassed and interrogated by police
• Threatened by parents and in-laws, and forced into hiding with wife and two children

Ziyad is the lead pastor of the small church in his city. Because of his ministry, he has been harassed and interrogated by the local authorities. He has also received threats from his parents and in-laws who are opposed to his Christian activities.

The pressure has grown so intense that Ziyad has been forced to take his wife and their two children into hiding.

While Ziyad is away, another believer is looking after his fellowship.