Pray For…The Kyrgyz of Kyrgyzstan

Stats
•Population – 2,800,000
•Percentage of Evangelicals – N/A
•Language Spoken – Kyrgyz
•Major Religion – Islam (Sunni)
•Human Development Rank of Kyrgyzstan – 120
•Persecution Index of Kyrgyzstan – 49
•Global Evangelical Status – Level 2, Less than 2% Evangelical. Initial church planting in the past 2 years.

The Kyrgyz are related to the Kazakh and other Turkic people but are most closely resemble the Mongols. The Kyrgyz more than other Central Asian peoples have clung to their nomadic heritage. Until the time under Communist rule, almost all Kyrgyz were nomadic and lived in rural areas. However once under Soviet rule, many Kyrgyz settled into towns and cities as their population grew to four times its original size. Despite this, the majority of Kyrgyz still live according to their tradition. The Kyrgyz were introduced to Islam in the 17th century; and by the 19th century, almost all Kyrgyz had become Muslims. The Soviets attempted to change their beliefs but were not successful. In fact, almost 2,000 mosques have been built since Kyrgyzstan achieved its independence in 1991. The Kyrgyz believe a mixture of Islam with some Shamanistic practices. Despite the purity of their beliefs, the Kyrgyz hold to them and consider them a part of their cultural heritage. Conversion of a Kyrgyz is seen as a betrayal of both ethnic identity and family. There are few Kyrgyz Christians and only initial church planting among them. Most Kyrgyz do not know the Gospel of Christ and adhere to Islam due to tradition. In addition to the spiritual poverty, Kyrgyzstan is an underdeveloped country with almost 40% of the population living below the poverty line. Its terrain and geography do not make international trade easy and food production difficult based on weather.

•Ask God to work in the hearts of the Kyrgyz and draw them to Himself.
•Pray for those who trust in Christ that they would persevere.
•Ask God to raise up His church among the Kyrgyz.
•Pray that God would show His provision through His church that many would trust in Christ.