Letter From Turkmenistan

Hello Brother Victor,

Grace and peace to you in the name of our Lord and Savior. I write to you with a heavy heart, but an unwavering faith, knowing that though we are surrounded by trials, the Lord’s promises remain steadfast and true.

As you know here in Turkmenistan, following the Lord comes at a great cost. In our small house church, we have experienced growing pressure from the authorities. They view our faith as a threat, and because we do not conform to their expectations, they have labeled us enemies. Just last week, the police raided our gathering, confiscating our Bibles and materials. They fined us more money than most of us make in a month.

But even more difficult than the financial burden is the consistent intimidation. My wife and children live in constant fear of being taken away. Some in our community have been imprisoned for merely sharing their faith. Others have been beaten or harassed for refusing to renounce the name of J*sus. A close brother in Christ, *Rahim (pseudonym) was arrested two weeks ago. We do not know where he is being held or if he is safe. Please pray for his release.

The persecution has reached to its worse level in our daily lives. Last week I lost my job because my employer discovered my faith. Without work, it is challenging to provide for my family. Yet, through it all, the Lord has been faithful. He has provided just enough through the generosity of other believers.

Despite this suffering, we hold to the truth that Christ is worth it. The Good News continues to spread, even under these dire circumstances. New believers are coming to faith in secret, and we meet in homes, fields, and any place where we can worship together in safety.

Our hope rests not in earthly freedom, but in the eternal life that the Lord has secured for us. Thank you for reminding me to hold on to the words of the Apostle Paul:
“For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18).

We ask for your intercession, dear brother. Intercede for courage and wisdom as we navigate these trials. Intercede for the hearts of the authorities to be softened and for their salvation. And please intercede that the Good News will continue to flourish in Turkmenistan, even in the midst of persecution.

We may be separated by distance, but we are united in Christ, and your prayers and support strengthen us more than you could know. Thank you for standing with us as we endure for the glory of His name.