47 Kazakhstan

Persecution Type
  • Dictatorial paranoia (Strong)
  • Islamic oppression (Medium)
  • Clan oppression (Medium)
Christian population

4,859,000

Government

Presidential Republic

Main Religion

Islam

Leader

President Kasym-Zhomart Tokayev

What does persecution look like in Kazakhstan?

Like many other countries in Central Asia, Kazakhstan creates many challenges for believers. Religious freedom in the country has been under constant threat since legislation was introduced in 2011 that gave the government significant control over religion. For Christians, this means increased surveillance, raids on meetings, arrests and imprisonment. Any church outside of the Russian Orthodox Church (mostly tolerated as long as it doesn’t try to share the gospel with Muslims) is in constant danger of intense monitoring and crackdowns from the state authorities.

Converts from Islam suffer the harshest persecution. They can be locked up by their families, beaten and eventually kicked out of their communities, leaving them without resources or relationships. Local religious leaders also preach against converts. 

Christians across Kazakhstan also report discrimination and difficulty in earning a living. In some parts of the country, certain Christian businesses are expected to pay bribes to stay open. This extortion drives some business owners to keep their faith a secret. Some believers also lose their jobs, particularly if they are church leaders. 

What changed this year?

Kazakhstan continues to be a difficult place for followers of Jesus to live and worship. Not much has changed, but as long as the legal regulations around religion continue, the situation will be difficult in Kazakhstan. Additionally, families and communities put so much pressure on anyone who converts from Islam that it can be difficult for followers of Jesus who come from a Muslim background. 

How can I pray?

  • Pray that God would protect Christians who convert from Islam. Ask Him to help Kazakh believers find safety from the pressure and oppression that comes from family and community. 
  • Pray for church leaders who are monitored by the government. Pray for safety.
  • Pray that more believers in Kazakhstan would gain access to Bibles and Christian literature to help them grow in their faith.

More Christians need help than ever before.

As we close out 2023, the number of persecuted Christians is higher than ever. With greater persecution comes greater need. Your year-end gift will help – including providing more Bibles, more discipleship, and more relief aid.

Our year-end goal is $500,000 to help our persecuted family. Will you prayerfully give a gift today?

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