Kyrgyzstan

How are Christians harassed, discriminated against and persecuted?

Persecution of Christians is slightly increasing and some local Christians are nervous about the future. Especially on the political scene, radical Muslims are on the rise, while the state is pressuring churches and Christians.

In 2008, a change in the law made it more difficult for churches to register, as a church must have 200 members instead of the previous 10 to be an approved denomination. However, in 2018, the government changed this to just 200 people supporting the church's registration before an application can be made. As a result, up to 60 Christian communities have received official registration between December 2018 and June 2019. However, registration doesn't bring much freedom to churches. They can only meet in their registered building and there are examples of Christians being punished for sharing their faith in public. Several of the 2018 law changes were aimed at radical Islamists in the country.

Mission meets resistance

All distribution of Bibles and Christian literature in public places is prohibited and evangelization is difficult. The country is relatively open - even to Western Christians - but mission to the Muslim majority leads to persecution and pressure on Christians. Some Christians are fired if they won't observe Ramadan and there are examples of others being beaten by their parents and friends when they convert. Others are kicked out of their homes or receive lower grades in school.

In general, persecution primarily affects Christian converts who are persecuted by their family, friends and relatives, as well as Christians who insist on doing missionary work are also persecuted. Opposition to missions also means that evangelization is more likely to be done through relationships and humanitarian work. Christians bond with their fellow countrymen through sports, practical help, music and the like, and through relationships they show and tell of God's love.

What does the Danish European Mission do

Danish European Mission donors support persecuted Christians who reach out to young, uneducated girls who have grown up in orphanages and are at risk of ending up in prostitution. By law, you can only stay in an orphanage until you turn 16.

Many girls have nowhere to go after leaving the orphanage, so it's important that someone takes care of them, as many often end up in prostitution. The girls are given a roof over their heads, food and a safe environment to get an education and get ready for adult life.