In Samarkand, Uzbekistan, police raided the service of an unregistered Baptist church after a school official reported that the daughter of a church member was distributing Christian literature and invitations to church to her classmates. This girl’s father had already been charged with illegal religious activity in 2010 and 2012. The service raided by the police was attended by 25 people, including 12 children.
The Uzbek constitution guarantees freedom of conscience, but a law passed in 1998 allows only registered religious organizations to conduct religious activity, and limits the number of religious organizations allowed to register. At the moment there are 2225 religious organizations registered in Uzbekistan, of which 2051 are Muslim, and 159 are Christian. Those illegally engaging in religious propaganda, import and distribution of religious literature, and organizing religious education are subject to criminal charges.
Please pray for believers in Uzbekistan as they follow Jesus in increasingly difficult circumstances. Pray for courage and creativity for them in sharing their faith and for strength in persecution.
Original story (in Russian): http://www.fergananews.com/news/21937