Central Asia: Partnership Through Prayer | December 2025 Update
As The Outreach Foundation learns more about our brothers and sisters building Christ’s church in Central Asia, we hear stories that inspire us, and some that bring us to our knees in prayer. Before He was crucified, Jesus foretold, “If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you” (John 15:20). One of our partners sent us this story that captures the situation many Christians face in this dark space in the world.
Pastor J is a trusted leader and faithful follower of Jesus. He has a family and a sizable network of leaders who have been serving the church in Central Asia for many years. Recently, he has come under intense, coordinated pressure from individuals claiming official authority. For one hour in a public café, two men confronted his wife using deeply deceptive and abusive tactics. They presented J’s wife with AI-generated messages and audio recordings to discredit his character and to lure her into turning against him. Praise God, she recognized what was happening, rejected their accusations, and cut off communication with them. In retaliation, they are planning to release a documentary designed to discredit the ministry on national television.
This is nothing new for Pastor J and many other Christian leaders in Central Asia. Yet the current threats have now forced him to leave Central Asia – and his family – abruptly and indefinitely, for his own safety. His wife, children, and several key ministry partners and their families are also assessing whether they, too, may soon need to relocate. Still, Pastor J writes, “May the Lord’s name be glorified through all of this.”
Addressing human trafficking through holistic mission projects
This same partner is working with pastors just like Pastor J to address human trafficking in Central Asia. Many families have few options to pursue a more stable life. Consequently, human trafficking is rampant, though data collection is challenging. Russia imports many men for forced labor, and children are taken to major cities for begging and the drug trade. Sex trafficking occurs among women and girls. The church is responding through projects that help families find income through healthy business models. Selling tea is one such business. The Outreach Foundation recently funded this project, and we look forward to sharing a good news report in early 2026!
Our next steps
First, Central Asian partners ask for our prayers. Take time to pray specifically:
for divine protection over Pastor J, his family, and his network of leaders
that the church’s work against human trafficking will rescue families
for the entire Christian community in Central Asia that they will remain united and be able to exhibit unshakable courage rooted in Christ
that God will break those orchestrating persecution on His faithful ones in the region
that Christians will be salt and light in this challenging context
Second, we can fuel our partners' courage. We hear it all the time: we cannot do this without you. The Outreach Foundation is accepting financial gifts that will support the work of our partners in this delicate region. You may send a check to the address below with “Central Asia” on the memo line, or you can visit our GIVE page at www.theoutreachfoundation.org and select “Central Asia Initiative” from the fund menu.
Third, our partners have asked us to visit them in Central Asia. Please consider joining us on our visioning visit to the region March 12-21, 2026. Our Associate Director for Mission Tom Boone is leading this visit. Contact him at tom@theoutreachfoundation.org for further information.