Central Asia Partner Update: Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan: An Opportunity for Rest, Unity, and Renewal
During this past summer, The Outreach Foundation’s partner in Central Asia, the Center of Evangelical and Protestant Churches in Central Asian Countries, hosted its annual pastors’ conference in Tashkent, Uzbekistan. Funds from The Outreach Foundation helped make this possible! 250 pastors from 12 countries attended. Pastors came from both registered and unregistered communities from multiple denominations. This pivotal gathering united pastors and leaders from Uzbekistan and neighboring Central Asian countries. The conference highlighted unity, collaboration, and strengthened bonds of friendship. Note: We are not disclosing any real names or identities due to security concerns in this region.
Two officially registered churches hosted the event. This is important because it provides official permission for many pastors in the unregistered community. The center’s director highlighted fruitful efforts to support local churches, build international partnerships, and promote interfaith harmony. The assembly unanimously praised the center’s work as successful, underscoring its role in advancing religious freedom and social healing. The opportunity to build international partnerships is important but faces a significant challenge in certain Central Asia countries due to changes in laws prohibiting such activity.
The conference featured seminars, master classes, panel discussions, and generous fellowship with good food. Topics ranged from generational evangelism, leadership effectiveness, the healthy practice of apostolic ministry, and the need for Christian education and ministry among 18–30-year-olds. Special attention to legal literacy is important in this setting due to shifting and declining legal status for Christians. Attendees exchanged ministry experiences, addressed contemporary challenges, and explored practical solutions. It is unusual for pastors of different denominations to come together due to a high level of scrutiny and distrust created by governments and special police informants.
The conference concluded with an emotional communion service, vibrant and vocal prayers, and singing expressing participants’ gratitude for God’s work in Central Asia, despite the mounting challenges.
Closing testimonies revealed the event as a catalyst for personal and ministerial renewal, with heartfelt thanks to organizers for its timeliness and blessings. Here are some of the testimonies they shared with us:
“My special gratitude to you as the host party for such a warm welcome, for care and attention to everyone. We saw how much organization there was, how much heart, and all this became a great blessing for many.”
“This conference was a time for me to experience rest and security. Normally I have to keep my eyes and ears open for the police. These days I was able to rest and worship with dear brothers who prayed for me, and I prayed for them openly. Thank you!”
“Thank you for the opportunity to see dear friends I have not seen in a long time. Thank you to the foundation that provided funds for many of us to come. This was a holy blessing in a time of darkness.”
Context of Christian Life in Central Asia
In Central Asia, Christians are facing significant and mounting persecution and societal pressure, often operating under restrictive laws that limit religious freedom. In Uzbekistan, for example, the government requires church registration and has installed facial recognition cameras in every church building. This forces many evangelical groups underground to avoid surveillance, fines, or arrests for “unauthorized” activities. Pastors in rural areas risk harassment from authorities or local communities viewing Christianity as a foreign threat to Islamic traditions. Similarly, in Kyrgyzstan, while constitutionally secular, Christians encounter discrimination, including job loss, social ostracism, and occasional violence from nationalist groups. Throughout Central Asia, conversion from Islam is illegal and can lead to family rejection, imprisonment – or worse – and community expulsion.
THE OPPORTUNITY
Despite these challenges, believers persevere with resilience, relying on discreet networks for support. Pastor conferences are essential and strategic. They provide vital respite in registered venues, where pastors feel secure. Leaders discuss their challenges and present practical steps to address them. It is an honor for The Outreach Foundation to fuel these needs with trusted partners. Central Asia is one of the darkest places in the world for Christians. Please give generously to lift up and encourage these pastors as we take our first steps into this region.
You may send a check to The Outreach Foundation at the address below or donate to the Central Asia fund on our website: www.theoutreachfoundation.org.