I metSerik* in Kazakhstan, where he told meits history:- I was born into a Christian family in Kazakhstan. Ever since I was a little kid, I have heard the gospel. My grandmother joined the Orthodox Church and has always been personalt Christian. All my childhood she has brought me up in the Christian faith, and she led me to Jesus at a very young age. I am very grateful to her for that.
- I1990 began Soviet Union crumbling, and more and more freedom came to Kazakhstan. People were open to the gospel, and even though Kazakhstan was still part of the Soviet Union, Christians could now evangelize publicly and organize large meetings. One day there was a large evangelization event In my citywhere 55,000 people participated - and luckily I was one of them. It was the first time I met evangelical Christians. At that meeting I made the decision to surrender my life to God and to the church. The event lasted a whole week, and I came every day.AJust a few days after the event, I went out and bought my own Bible. Jharrow had decided to seek out congregation Subsequentbut I lost the contact information for the church and didn't know, Where to go. The Almost fiveyear I had none contact to and church - lUntil I got to theterribly at a birthday party in 1996 met énwho knew the church. Finally got the Address.
Winner trials for persecuted Christians
- After several years in the church, I had the opportunity to attend Bible school. I jumped at the chance,and during our stay we started a new church in the byWhere. I lived. Et years after the first service, I was installed as priestin the congregation. It was very big for me to be involved in leading congregation.Jharrow was given responsibility forthe diaconal work. I was on fire for reaching out and helping mye fellow human beings.But when we tried to get projects up and running, we encountered a lot of legal issues that prevented Bone i that could Helping people. I feltthat It was here, I needed to use my energy. I had to had no experience in law, But I felt, that God called me to Taking the fight. JOak purchasete a lot of books and triedthat improve my skills in the legal squestions. Today you can Driver I litigated many cases for the church, And thanks to God, we win many of them. I believe in, that God has given me the gifts to Lead The lawsuits for the church - even though I'm not trained for it.
Handcuffed in front of 100 children and 200 parents
- For more year page I was self-arrested and interrogated Due tomy work in the church. It was during an event, We called it "Children's Day".Vi outshared gifts for poor children in the local area and threw a party. In the middle of the event overturned 12 police officers in and put me in handcuffs for the 100 children and 200 parents, who attended the party. When I was taken away, there was a lot of unrest among the parents, and several shouted to the police officers, that they should leave me alone. At the police station was I interrogated for two hours. Min church was accused of being a cultand for Organizing illegal events. The parents were very angry, When they heard, what I was accused of. After the long interrogation was I Released during The prerequisitethat I had to give a full account of the church's actions. The next day I took myn priest dress on and went to the police station. Med Me, I had four large binders. They were filled with documents from the last three years. The mayor took a close look every single pageof the financial statements Through and eventually had to apologize. I got off with a reprimand about, that I should let you know a month before the next event.
Church social works breaks down skepticism towards Christians
- I am sure that, that the angry parents have helped pressure the authorities to release me. I've even heard stories of, that officials have gotten angry with the mayor, because he's been hard on the church. When they see, that the church helps the poor and does good work,creates the A positive view of the church, and it reduces the pressure on Christians. We help poor families, among others by handing out bags of food and clothing, so they can survive. Many of the familiesno Not receiving help from the public sector. When we help these familiar, See borgerin our city, that Christians help even the weakest in society. It helps to break down prejudicesto Christian and even leads several Kazakhe to faith in Jesus.
- For some Christians in Kazakhstan, the persecution is for hard, and the choose to travel out of the country. I am forDo not judge them, for It is Their choice to travel. But I'm sorry anyway. Because if we all leave behind Kazakhstan, we have been faithful to the calling and task that God has given us?I thinkthat We must be persistent. We must be true to the call to spread the word of God - also here in Kazakhstan. Even when we get hit by persecution. I remember the word that is written in The Bible: "Have they been following me, they will also persecute you."When the persecution really comes, I am dependent on God. I have to rely on, that he can lead me through the tough times. He has promised, That he won't leave me in the lurch - And I trust that.
Serik is a priest,and his mUnity helps the poorest in the community through a soup kitchen where they can get hot meals and through the distribution of bags of food and clothing. More Kazakhse become curious about why Christians are helping them. Dand opens their eyes to the Christian faith.
*The name has been changed for security reasons
