*ARCHIVED OCTOBER 2007 // CLICK HERE FOR CURRENT DATA

Uzbekistan (click here to view a satellite map)

Uzbekistan, Central Asia

Population: 26,851,195
Christians: 1-2%
Dominant Religion: Sunni Islam
Persecution Ranking: 12th
Political Leader:  President Islam Karimov
Religious Freedom in Constitution: Yes

Uzbekistan is an authoritarian state with limited civil rights. Its people are from over 30 different ethnic groups and live mostly in densely-populated rural communities. In August 2004 it was estimated that in a population that was 88% Muslim, there were approximately 25,000 indigenous Christians. These Believers are experiencing huge revival. Before 1991-1992 there were only a handful indigenous Christians. There is now no city in Uzbekistan that does not have its own indigenous congregation.
This is largely because those Uzbeks who first came to the LORD wisely dropped western and Russian liturgy and songs and adopted indigenous poetry and music instead. As a result, there is great openness to the Gospel among Uzbeks. Professional Christian music groups that specialize in indigenous songs, both secular and spiritual, have become very popular in Uzbekistan.
Proselytizing is illegal in Uzbekistan, and the government often monitors and harasses those that openly try to convert Muslims to Christianity. General discrimination of indigenous Christians is also common. If caught with Christian literature, Believers will go to jail for five to eight years.
Prayer Points

	Pray for Christians, who are often arrested on false charges and kept in prison for days.
	Pray for Believers who are persecuted by their own families, often experiencing intimidation, poverty, and being denied burial in the family tomb.
	Pray for the Christian Church to continue to grow in wisdom and in favor within its communities.

LORD of the Ages, we thank You for the wonderful revival among Christian Believers in Uzbekistan and ask that You would continue to give them wisdom and courage in the midst of persecution. May the joy they express in their music overflow and bring life to those around them. We ask that You would bring them greater freedom to live out their faith in Jesus Christ through the changing of laws that inhibit them. Amen.

ADDITIONAL INFO ON UZBEKISTAN

• View additional info on the Joshua Project site
• Praying Through The Window 6
• Praying Through The Window 7
• 2006 Weekly Prayer Points