Central Asia

While a significant Slavic, Russian-orthodox population resides in Central Asia, many unreached Muslim people groups are more historically rooted here, and call Central Asia home to this day.  The last several decades have seen religious and civic leaders, including influential Muslim leaders from outside of Central Asia, attempting to foster growth in the Islamic faith, which is practiced only nominally by most. Yet, even though many Central Asians follow a more shallow-rooted tradition of faith, they still need to see for themselves the personal integrity of those coming with the Good News. Gospel workers here take their time with Central Asia friends to build trust in sincere, committed friendships, which are of great value to people of this region.

• Train and mentor leaders for effective ministry.
• Launch new fellowship groups.
• Enlarge camp and club ministry for children and youth.
• Facilitate English training for all ages in order to build bridges to the gospel.
• Partner with existing agencies in health, development, and education. 

Central Asia stretches from the Caspian Sea to China, and features cultural elements from the East, Middle East as well as from more Western cultures. Local relational ties bind communities together, and changes in faith create relational ripples that are deeply felt in the myriad proud cultures who call any of the five Central Asian republics home. Here, people hold honor, hospitality, courage, loyalty in high esteem. These values afford the global gospel worker with much rich opportunity and challenge in building a place for themselves in this world.

Historically, the Silk Road cut through these many miles of land, acting as a crossroads for the movement of people, goods, and ideas between Europe and Asia. And a centuries-long love of the horse and oral narrative poetry underscore the nomadic roots of this region. Today life in these high-altitude desert steppes, valleys and mountains can also capitalize on space launches, Alpine tourism, Uranium reserves, big oil, and cotton fields. Yet economic instability persists for most average citizens. And while the Russian language operates as the current trade language for many of the “Stan” countries, most Central Asian Republics promote the use of their own languages.

SEND Central Asia desires to build teams that thrive in their communities in order to demonstrate the glory of Christ’s love to the many peoples of the steppe, and have a lasting impact for Christ. 

The Central Asian context calls for creative self-starters. As you explore ministry in Central Asia, consider:

• Character: Do you have a growing love for God, his Word, and others? 
• Coachability: Are you teachable and committed to life-long learning?
• Competence: What gifts, skills, and experience have you developed?
• Calling: How do you see God leading you into global service?
• Chemistry: How will you contribute to healthy team community?

SEND’s mission coaches help people discover their place in God’s plan to reach the nations. Click here to connect with a coach!