These are difficult days for Sister Elisha* from Central Asia.

She loves Jesus. She has for a long time – it’s not easy to be a Christian in Central Asia, but for Elisha, it’s worth it. Elisha, along with her mother, are two of a few Christians in an area that is mostly Muslim. Despite being a religious minority, it hasn’t stopped them from talking about Christ. 

When some of their relatives converted to Christianity, the undercurrent of pressure from their social circles increased. It came to a head when Elisha shared the gospel with an elderly neighbour who was nearing the end of her life.  Wonderfully, she chose to follow Jesus. 

When the woman’s family found out about this, they were not pleased; and the brewing conflict finally erupted. Members of the community grew angry at Elisha and the other Christians – sadly, the persecutors included even some of Elisha’s own relatives. 

The pressure against believers that already existed has only increased. The group of Christians face hardships – beatings, humiliation, threats and curses. Elisha, among others, was beaten very badly. 

But it is perhaps most difficult for some of the new Christians. Elisha has a long history of journeying in faith, but some of her relatives do not. Facing persecution is a new reality for them. 

Will you pray for this increasingly dangerous situation? 

The local church is working to support the Christians as much as possible, but the pressure continues to grow.  The concern now as that violence will ramp up. Even the elderly neighbour that Elisha shared Jesus with has been targeted: her relatives have threatened that she will not be granted a burial if she dies as a Christian. 

Please pray that this whole situation does not lead to an open attack on Christians, to murders or to further violence. Such danger is very high.

Pray for:

• Elisha and her mother – their faith, their safety.
• Elisha’s converted relatives – their faith and safety.
• For local Muslim community and Christian believers to have wisdom to resolve the conflict in a peaceful way
• For the elderly Christian woman – for her faith and peace in her heart

  *name changed for security reasons