The government officials of Uzbekistan, a country once part of the former Soviet Union before its independence in 1991, is attempting to deprive the registered Baptist Union of the land it owns and uses to run summer camps for children and families. State officials are claiming -- without any apparent legal foundation -- that the land was "illegally" purchased in 2000.
In a separate incident, an unrelated children's camp organized by local Protestants in the Samarkand Region was raided. It is reported that the raid made against 31 participating adults and children included the deployment of 30 regular police officers, 20 members of the riot police squad, and 30 additional officials from the regional tax authorities, fire department, Sanitary-Epidemiological Department, as well as members of the regional administration.
Reportedly, the police officers began brandishing their rubber batons during the raid. They "collected statements from everyone -- even from small children separated from their parents." After over six hours of questioning, and additional raids made on the alleged organizers' homes, it is expected that charges will be brought against six Protestants. Representatives of the Baptist Union have filed a complaint to the Prosecutor-General, stating that "the future of Uzbekistan cannot be built on the plundering of religious organizations." Other stories of persecution can be found at the Uzbekistan Country Report.
Despite the frustrations of having to contend with opposing government officials, may God grant the leaders of these Christian camps much wisdom, patience, and an extra measure of His grace. In fact, may their response to the opposition serve as a strong and vibrant Christian witness to all involved. Our Lord promises in Matthew 16:18 that the gates of Hades will not prevail against the church, and that includes the church in Uzbekistan. As a result of His intervention in both situations, pray that these ministries will be able to move forward boldly... reaching even more people with the Gospel.
http://www.persecution.net/uzbekistan.htm
Posted By: Jen Fad
Friday, August 16th 2013 at 1:21AM
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