Seventy-five million people live in Central Asia. More than 80% of them are Muslims. Evangelical Christians make up a very small minority, and evangelistic activity is severely restricted.
In this context how do you reach people with the Gospel? How do you strengthen isolated believers?
One way is through Christian radio. Trans World Radio broadcasts across Central Asia. The challenge is to make these programmes accessible even in the most isolated places.
This motivated SGA to introduce a special project in partnership with TWR. ‘Sending Little Missionaries’ was launched in June 2021. It has raised significant funds to help with the purchase and distribution of small radios and SD cards pre-loaded with Gospel programmes.
The Radio Distribution Project endeavours to reach all regions of Central Asia with the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
The following accounts help highlight some of the distribution during 2021.
Tajikistan: In October, 150 radios, 150 media players, and 4GB flash drives were provided. Some of these were delivered to the rural mountainous regions.
Kyrgyzstan: Several hundred radios were distributed. SGA’s partners cooperated with the blind society and gave them radios, SD cards, and flash drives pre-loaded with Biblical programmes. Teams have also been distributing these devices to shepherds in the pastures high in the mountains. The churches are grateful to have radios and SD cards. Recently 500 more radios were bought and an additional 500 SD cards, which will be distributed to listeners.
Kazakhstan: In one remote village a few hundred radios, SD cards, CDs, and DVDs were distributed. These were supplied to a house church that was organized as a result of listening to radio programmes. People got together to pray and to listen to the entire series. Recently, 200 radios were distributed at a pastors’ conference. They asked for more because it is a great tool for those who do not have access to a church.
Uzbekistan: There are a few brothers who go periodically to preach in far removed villages and remote towns. They were provided with 230 radios and 300 SD cards to take with them and give to the people. When they visit these listeners again, they will take the SD cards back and bring them new recordings.
The believers are grateful for the hundreds of radios and SD cards which ministry teams have provided to the churches. There was indescribable joy among those who received them!
‘Sending Little Missionaries’ is a project which is helping to reach all regions of Central Asia with God’s Word. We pray that through this venture many more media tools will be provided during this year – 2022!Â