Turkmenistan: Mission & Objective
The majority of Turkmen live in Turkmenistan, which is located in South Central Asia along the Caspian Sea. Many others live in the surrounding Asian nations of Kazakhstan, Iran, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, with a smaller number in Azerbaijan. Their culture has been strongly influenced in the past by both the Turkic conquerors, who imposed their language on them, and the Arabs, who forced them to convert to Islam.
CIC Mission Inc. has chosen to walk alongside its Turkmen church partners in their effort to catalyze a Christ centered multiplying, bi-vocational, and transformative church-planting movement wherever Turkmen live.
Understanding Turkmenistan: A Land of Challenges and Opportunity
Turkmenistan presents both significant challenges and unique opportunities for church-planting efforts. The country is largely Muslim, with the government tightly controlling religious activity and often restricting the practice of Christianity. As a result, church planting faces many obstacles, including legal restrictions, cultural resistance, and the risk of persecution. However, despite these challenges, there are pathways to planting churches and making disciples in Turkmenistan.
- The Turkmen government imposes strict regulations on religious activities. Unregistered churches are illegal, and Christian gatherings are strictly monitored.
- Establishing open, visible churches is difficult and forces believers to meet discreetly in small, underground settings.
- Islam is deeply ingrained in Turkmen society. Christians may face social ostracism, family rejection, and even legal penalties for their faith.
- Christians in Turkmenistan face persecution, including harassment, imprisonment, and even torture in extreme cases.
How You Can Pray
Ask God to give believers the courage to share their faith despite the risks and for protection from persecution or legal trouble. Pray for their safety and wisdom in navigating a restrictive environment.
Pray that God opens the hearts of the people of Turkmenistan to the gospel. Ask for guidance on how to approach evangelism in culturally relevant ways, fostering meaningful relationships and overcoming barriers to acceptance.
Pray for the development of local Christian leaders who can lead with integrity, wisdom, and resilience. Ask God to equip them with the knowledge, spiritual maturity, and courage to sustain the church and disciple others in a difficult environment.
Needs and Opportunities
Expanding the evangelical Christian church in Turkmenistan presents both significant challenges and unique opportunities. One of the primary challenges is the religious restrictions and strong islamic influence imposed by the government, which tightly controls and restricts unregistered religious activity, making it difficult to establish open evangelical churches. With careful and strategic efforts, the church can grow, even in a challenging environment.
- Continue to foster small group meetings and personal relationships can foster growth.
- Developing local Christian leaders through systematic bible and vocational training that ensures sustainability and resilience
- Continue to provide humanitarian aid that opens doors for evangelism and discipleship.
- Develop more small micro business opportunities that provide believers to holistically integrate into their communities.
Your Questions Answered
How can I volunteer with your organization?
We believe that God calls His people to use their gifts and talents to glorify Him and advance His kingdom. There are several ways you can get involved as a volunteer with our ministry:
Prayer Support
Join our prayer team and intercede for the persecuted, our workers, and the success of our mission to share the Gospel.
Fundraising and Awareness
Assist in spreading the word about our mission or hosting events to raise support for our work.
Field Work Opportunities
Depending on your skills and calling, there may be opportunities to participate in training and equipping, discipleship programs and mobile medical in person internationally.
Skills-Based Volunteering
Use your specific skills, such as graphic design, content writing, social media management, or technical expertise, to support our mission.
Can I donate goods or supplies instead of money?
Yes, we gratefully accept donations of goods and supplies!
In all cases, practical items can directly support our mission and the communities we serve. Here are some of the most needed items:
Digital Christian Literature
Study materials, or discipleship resources in English or other languages.
Ministry Tools
Equipment such as Tablets, laptops, projectors, or other technology to aid in training and discipleship.
Vocational Supplies
Tools or materials that support bi-vocational ministry (e.g., sewing machines, trade tools, etc.).
How to Donate Goods:
Contact Us:Â Reach out to confirm the current needs and logistics for donating goods.
Shipping/Drop-off Instructions:Â We can provide guidance on how and where to send the items.
Tax Deductions:Â Upon receipt, we can provide a tax-deductible receipt if applicable.
How are donated funds used?
Donated funds are used with great care and intentionality to advance our mission of sharing the Gospel and serving those in need, primarily in persecuted areas. Here’s how we typically allocate the funds:
1.    Evangelism and Outreach Efforts
Supporting evangelism initiatives, such as indigenous people ministry trips, outreach events, and media projects to reach the lost.
Funds are also used to train and equip local believers in evangelism, helping them share the Gospel effectively in their communities.
2.    Discipleship and Church Planting
Providing resources for discipleship training programs, bi-vocational church planting, and pastoral education to strengthen local churches and raise up new leaders.
3.    Support for Persecuted Believers
Offering emergency aid, including food, shelter, and medical supplies, to persecuted Christians or those facing extreme hardship.
Supporting families and individuals who have lost their homes, jobs, or loved ones due to their faith.
4.    Ministry Expansion and Infrastructure
Funding church planting initiatives in restricted areas, for meeting spaces, purchasing supplies, and building relationships with local communities.
Developing and maintaining infrastructure for ongoing ministry, such as printing Bibles, creating discipleship materials, and supporting digital outreach efforts.
5.    Administrative and Operational Costs
Covering essential in field operational expenses, including communications, and the logistical costs of running our ministry efficiently and transparently.
We are committed to using all donations responsibly and with accountability. Regular reports and updates are provided to ensure transparency about how funds are being used for God’s kingdom.
We thank God for your partnership in this mission, and your donation helps ensure that more people hear the message of hope and salvation in Jesus Christ.
Opportunities for groups or corporate teams?
We are excited to invite church groups and teams to partner with us in advancing the Gospel and serving persecuted communities. Here are several ways your group can get involved:
1. Mission Trips & Outreach
Service Projects: Groups can participate in hands-on projects, such as medical training, and providing practical help to persecuted believers.
2. Discipleship Training & Church Planting
Training Local Leaders: Church teams can come alongside us to train indigenous leaders in areas of discipleship, church planting, and bi-vocational ministry.
Church Partnership: Support the development and growth of churches in restricted areas by coming alongside local believers with training, resources, or encouragement.
3. Prayer Teams
Prayer Partnerships: Church groups can commit to regular prayer for persecuted communities, evangelistic efforts, and the overall mission. We can provide specific prayer points to guide your group’s intercession.
4. Awareness and Fundraising Campaigns
Host Events: Church teams can organize awareness events, such as informational meetings, fundraising dinners, or benefit concerts, to support the ministry and raise awareness about the persecuted church.
Fundraising Projects: Help with ongoing fundraising efforts, from organizing a special offering or fundraising drive within your church to supporting specific projects like building churches or providing training materials.
How to Get Started:
1. Contact Us: Reach out to us to discuss specific opportunities available for your church or group.
2. Customize Your Involvement: Based on your team’s strengths and interests, we’ll help tailor your involvement to fit the needs of the mission.
3. Training & Preparation: If necessary, we’ll provide training or resources to help your team prepare for the work ahead.
$38,000 Goal
pledged of $38,000 goal