Uzbekistan: Mission & Objective
The earliest ancestors of the Uzbeks, the Central Asian Turks, aided Genghis Khan in his conquest of Eastern Europe in the 1300s. Eventually, as unity between the Turks and Mongols faded, there were numerous warring kingdoms that emerged. It was from several of these kingdoms that the Uzbeks descended.
They lived under czarist rule until the Bolshevik Revolution brought the communists to power in 1917. The new socialist government forced many of the Uzbek nomads and farmers to live on collective farms. After the USSR dissolved in 1991, there were new, emerging nations such as Uzbekistan. Our mission in Uzbekistan is to glorify God by advancing the gospel, supporting discipleship, and fostering the growth of house and traditional churches.
CIC Mission Inc. has chosen to walk alongside its Uzbek church partners in their effort to catalyze a Christ centered multiplying, bi-vocational and transformative church planting movement wherever Uzbeks live.
Understanding Uzbekistan: A Land of Challenges and Opportunity
Uzbekistan, located in the center of Central Asia, is a nation rich in history and culture but marked by significant challenges for the Christian church. With a predominantly Muslim population and strict government control over religious activities, believers face persecution, surveillance, and limited freedom to worship. The gospel continues to advance as courageous believers persevere in discipleship and church planting, trusting God to build His Kingdom in this difficult yet promising land. “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it” (John 1:5, ESV).
- Strict government laws heavily regulate religious activities, limiting the ability to gather for worship, share the gospel, or distribute bibles.
- Believers face pressure from authorities, social ostracism, and hostility from family and communities, particularly in Muslim-majority regions.
- Access to bibles, discipleship materials, and theological training is limited, making it challenging to nurture and equip new believers.
- Despite restrictions, many people in Uzbekistan are spiritually seeking answers and open to the gospel message.
How You Can Pray
Pray that believers in Uzbekistan would remain courageous and steadfast as they face persecution and severe restrictions.
Ask the Lord to raise up faithful, biblically grounded leaders who will disciple others and shepherd growing house churches.
Pray for spiritual breakthroughs and that the hearts of those resistant to Christianity would be softened to receive the good news of Jesus Christ.
Needs and Opportunities
Uzbekistan presents both significant challenges and remarkable opportunities for the spread of the gospel and the strengthening of the Christian church. While government restrictions, persecution, and cultural barriers create obstacles for believers, there is a growing spiritual hunger amongst Uzbeks and increasing opportunities for discipleship and church-planting.
By addressing these needs with strategic support and prayer, the church can thrive in this difficult yet hopeful context.
- More safe spaces for worship and discipleship amid ongoing government surveillance.
- Continued training, equipping and strengthening of local leadership to shepherd house churches and new believers.
- Creating better digital platforms to enable discreet training and sharing of resources.
- Financial support for persecuted believers facing social and economic hardship in rural unreached areas.
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: Reach out to confirm the current needs and logistics for donating goods.
Shipping/Drop-off Instructions: We can provide guidance on how and where to send the items.
Tax Deductions: 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.
$76,500 Goal
pledged of $76,500 goal