Around the world, the support and prayers of people like you are making a difference! Open Doors partners from Central Asia sent an update with some ministry highlights from the past year. Here’s what they had to say about a few ways that your partnership is impacting lives in Central Asia.
Training seminars
Several Training courses were held for believers. One conference was organized for 283 from several Central Asian countries. The topic was the calling of the church. A participant wrote: “At the conference, I received many answers to my questions. To be honest, I only planned to relax at the seminar, but unexpectedly for myself I managed to relax and change my views in some way…God simply called me again to serve, to go further!”
Youth Vocational Training
We organized a youth vocational training program for young people who do not have the opportunity to study a profession. There, they had the opportunity to study a given trade that interests them, with the goal of future employment.
A student studies welding as part of a youth training program.
The trades offered included electrician, hairdresser, plumber, chef, seamstress, welder and more. Long term, this program will allow more Christians to have sustainable income, allowing them put down roots in their homeland and be a light for Christ there.
Participants in the literacy and sign language course
Sign language/literacy courses for deaf believers
Last year we organized sign language/literacy courses, with an emphasis on the deaf community. These individuals are often given very little opportunity for education at government schools, and teaching them communication is an opportunity both for outreach and to offer a sense of dignity.
Report: Evgeny the Evangelist
Evgeny (not his real name) is an evangelist who was able to use Open Doors financial support to begin a honey production and beekeeping business on the side. With this income, along with additional support, he is able to travel to remote and dangerous areas in Central Asia and minister.
In 2025 he shared this message with us.
“Unfortunately, the situation for Christians remains difficult. Many young believing girls, especially in the regions, are being forced into marriages with Muslims. Those who come to Christ from Islam often face rejection from their own families. During my trip I met a brother who was severely beaten for his faith. In some cases, the authorities have even fined us for our evangelical work.
“I serve mostly in dangerous and rural mountain areas. What I see happening is that, among the mountain villages, the Lord is opening doors for His Kingdom.
“Our main focus is on families in the mountain villages, especially widows with children. Many of them live in extremely harsh conditions. We bring them food and medicines, and them offer spiritual support. We hold Bible meetings with them and pray with them. We also care for people with disabilities, both children and adults, by bringing them comfort and encouragement.
“Thank you for your love and support. We truly need your prayers – for me, for my team, and for every heart we are striving to reach.”
Discipling Kurdish believers
In 2025, the work among the Kurds (an ethnic group located across parts of Central and Western Asia) was characterized by both growth and vulnerability. After many years of sowing, it has become visible that a church is emerging in various Kurdish regions.
Discipling local churches is just one way that our Central Asian partners are working to strengthen our persecuted family. (Representative photo)
In towns and cities, people are gathering in house churches. Especially in areas where persecution and pressure are intense, new groups were formed regularly.
This growth was accompanied by an increasing need for teaching, Bibles, and guidance. Therefore, 2025 was mainly a year focused on supporting, strengthening, and deepening the young Kurdish church.
Testimony
We received a particularly amazing story from a Christian who we can call S. He told of his conversations with a highly educated Muslim leader who had travelled to Mecca for the Hajj pilgrimage, together with a group of imams.
While resting in his hotel room in the afternoon, he had a dream of a man dressed in white who said to him: “Go back to your home, you do not belong here.” The Muslim leader recognized Him as Jesus. After returning home, he began searching for Christians who could answer his questions.
Eventually, he was connected with our brother S. He listened to the church service and then spoke with brother S. When brother S. asked if he could pray for him, the leader opened his heart and received the Lord Jesus as his Saviour. Since that day, he has been growing in his knowledge of the Lord Jesus and in his walk with Him.
Quotes
Your support is truly changing lives in Central Asia. Here are two quotes that summarize much of the impact.
From our field team:
“Your contributions (finances and your prayers) are vital to our ministry. The prayers, books, and radio receivers with recordings of Christian materials that we offer as gifts symbolize our friendship and love. These gifts significantly open the hearts of those we serve, especially those who have not yet encountered the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. We ensure that people read these books and listen to the radio. Over time, they request more books and express a desire to meet and study the word of the Almighty!”
From a young person who attended a summer camp ministry last year:
“My friend and I were invited to the camp to rest and learn more about God. After the camp, my relationship with God changed for the better. When I read the Bible now, I understand its truth more clearly. Prayer has become a meaningful way for me to connect with God. After repenting, I felt a deep transformation within. I enjoyed everything about the camp—even the rain didn’t dampen our spirits. We played, sang songs, and had a wonderful time. I’m so happy I came to believe in Jesus Christ!”
