For the past eight years, Word of Grace Bible Church has been developing a partnership with churches in a Central Asian country. It is a Muslim-majority nation, where the vast majority of the population practices Islam and Christians face serious persecution for their faith. Recently, the situation has become even more difficult. Ministry leaders are being summoned for questioning, churches are receiving substantial fines, and in some areas, authorities are even interfering with worship services. In these circumstances, we are reminded of the cost of faithfulness to Christ and the importance of supporting our brothers and sisters who serve under such challenging conditions.
Yet none of this has stopped the work of the Gospel. During one of our team's recent trips, we ministered to a local congregation whose members had, for the most part, come to faith in Jesus Christ themselves, despite the Islamic context in which they live.
That is why one of the main goals of our partnership is to strengthen local churches. The Bible Preaching School, established in 2022 with the involvement of our church, is one of the ways we equip ministry leaders and help believers continue sharing the Gospel with their own people. Currently, about 40 students are enrolled in the school.
For the past six years, our church has also been sending teams of brothers and sisters to this country for short-term mission trips. Working alongside local churches, we hold children's and youth camps, organize training seminars for believers and ministry leaders, and visit small congregations in remote villages. These personal encounters are especially meaningful. They allow us to spend time with believers, pray with them, and encourage them through God's Word. This combination of biblical training and hands-on ministry helps strengthen local churches and equip people for the ongoing work of proclaiming the Gospel.
Another significant milestone for local believers was the acquisition of their own piece of land—the first in the history of their ministry. This became possible in part through the financial support of Word of Grace Bible Church. Church gatherings and celebrations are already being held there, but the property still needs further development and additional financial investment.
By His grace, the Lord continues to build His Church in Central Asia. We have the privilege of witnessing people come to faith, local churches grow stronger, and believers continue to testify to Christ despite persecution.
Yet none of this has stopped the work of the Gospel. During one of our team's recent trips, we ministered to a local congregation whose members had, for the most part, come to faith in Jesus Christ themselves, despite the Islamic context in which they live.
That is why one of the main goals of our partnership is to strengthen local churches. The Bible Preaching School, established in 2022 with the involvement of our church, is one of the ways we equip ministry leaders and help believers continue sharing the Gospel with their own people. Currently, about 40 students are enrolled in the school.
For the past six years, our church has also been sending teams of brothers and sisters to this country for short-term mission trips. Working alongside local churches, we hold children's and youth camps, organize training seminars for believers and ministry leaders, and visit small congregations in remote villages. These personal encounters are especially meaningful. They allow us to spend time with believers, pray with them, and encourage them through God's Word. This combination of biblical training and hands-on ministry helps strengthen local churches and equip people for the ongoing work of proclaiming the Gospel.
Another significant milestone for local believers was the acquisition of their own piece of land—the first in the history of their ministry. This became possible in part through the financial support of Word of Grace Bible Church. Church gatherings and celebrations are already being held there, but the property still needs further development and additional financial investment.
By His grace, the Lord continues to build His Church in Central Asia. We have the privilege of witnessing people come to faith, local churches grow stronger, and believers continue to testify to Christ despite persecution.
