Ministry Partners Central Asia

transforming lives in Kyrgyzstan

Central Asia has had a religious roller coaster ride from its beginning as part of the Silk Road passage where cultures, races and religions were mixed across this trade route. For centuries foreigners ruled the Kyrgyz and imposed their religions. Communism stepped in during the 20th century and stamped out or repressed all religions.

With freedom from the Soviet Union during the 1990s many religions grew rapidly again, with Islam the most dominant. The majority of the 5 million Kyrgyzs are Muslim (80%) while 17% belong to the Russian Orthodox Church. Among both Muslims and the Orthodox there are many nominal believers. Small concentrations of committed Christians can be found here and there.

The government has allowed churches to register, Bible colleges to open, Christian schools to teach, and even permitted open outreach events. Nevertheless, caution and discretion are practised. All public Christian meetings must be registered with the local authorities and be linked to a registered church. The persecution of Christians comes from families and the local community. Most families disown a person once they become a believer.

Our partnerships in Kyrgystan are just beginning. The collapse of the USSR has meant much suffering for the local populations. We work to strengthen local Christian partners who are involved in ministry to those marginalised by social and economic factors.

The Kyrgyzstan Church Network (KCN) is CNEC/PI’s first partnership within Central Asia. Together we have a vision to build up the very small Church and to equip it to reach the country and other Central Asian nations. CNEC/PI has come alongside the Kyrgyzstan Church Network which has its roots in the birth of the Kyrgyz church in 1990.

The network consists of nine churches which cover the northern and middle regions of Kyrgyzstan. The KCN requires a great deal of help in achieving the common goal of transforming lives in local communities. This will be done through leadership and biblical training, church planting, youth programs, holistic community development and self-sustaining micro-enterprise initiatives.

See also details of Short Term Teams to Kyrgyzstan

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About CNEC Partners International

CNEC Partners International involves Australians in Extraordinary Partnerships with national Christian ministries. Together we share and demonstrate God’s love in Christ  - a love which transforms individuals and their communities.