PRAYERS AND SUPPORT NEEDED FOR PERSECUTED SWW STUDENTS IN UZBEKISTAN

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Evangelism has long been considered terrorism in the Central Asian country of Uzbekistan, where criminal charges are brought regularly against evangelical churches and their leaders. That’s why Russian Ministries trains Next Generation leaders to equip and support the church there through our School Without Walls (SWW) nonformal training program, that must function almost entirely underground. Today, increasing persecution only emphasizes the need to equip more young believers through SWW with the training, tools and confidence required to lead their churches, families, and communities to eternal hope in Christ. It is critical now that we, as believers— Unite in prayer for the safety of persecuted men, women, children, and entire families. Rush additional Scripture and ministry resources to replace those that have been confiscated. Continue to train and equip Next Generation leaders through SWW because they are the best hope for advancing the Kingdom of Christ in Uzbekistan and throughout the FSU/Eurasia. We ask for your urgent prayers and generous gifts in support of our SWW students’ faithful work in Uzbekistan and other countries of Central Asia, where persecution is on the rise. PRAYER POINTS: Pray for the safety and success of SWW Students—Your support has already trained nearly 300 students in Uzbekistan and each of these hearts is actively making more disciples throughout the country. Pray for Christians in Uzbekistan—It is not uncommon for undercover police officers to stop young people and search their cellphones for sermons or Christian music. Pray that believers receive the faith and courage they need during these difficult times. Pray that God will provide the financial resources to train more SWW students and to replenish Bibles and other ministry resources in Uzbekistan—As Philippians 4:19 assures us, “…my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” ESV. To help support the work of our SWW students in Uzbekistan and other locations of the former Soviet Union/Eurasia, where persecution is on the rise, please click here to Donate and choose School Without Walls from the drop-down menu. Thank you for your continued prayers and support. Gratefully in Him, Sergey Rakhuba President Russian Ministries www.russian-ministries.org One SWW Student’s Story of Persecution in Uzbekistan: “My name is Oltingul,* and my husband I study at SWW. School Without Walls [has] changed me a lot and has helped me discover that evangelism is my spiritual gift. As part of my ministry outreach, I began traveling to villages, sharing the Good News with people who had never heard before. By God’s grace, I have been able to share the gospel with more than 200 people, and 26 people have come to Christ. This all changed when security services forced their way into my home, confiscating an Uzbek Bible and other Christian literature. They then filed charges against me and interrogated me for 16 hours. I had to walk [to the interrogation] with my 11-month-old child in freezing weather. As a result, my child got sick. Because we couldn’t afford the right medication, his illness developed into second-degree pneumonia, but our fellow SWW students generously raised enough funds to pay for my child’s treatment. The investigation lasted three months, and then the case went to court. I was found guilty of criminal Statute 240-241, “Missions and proselytism,” and was fined $1500.** Despite these difficulties, I am relying on God to continue studying through SWW because I desire to continue sharing the gospel. At the moment I am discipling six former Muslims who are now believers, and in September they will begin studying through SWW as well. SWW is laying a firm foundation for the spiritual growth of people in three churches in town. Through the work of just one class of students, four new home groups were started. Thank you all for providing this valuable training and praying for my family.” *This individual’s name has been changed to prevent further persecution and endangerment of their family. ** This amount is more than my family earns in an entire year. Footer Text

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