The situation in Central Asia continues to be difficult and volatile, and believers in some countries are encountering severe persecution.
Christianity is regarded as alien to traditional culture and religion. Restrictive legislation makes evangelism and some aspects of church life difficult.
We praise God for the continued work of Almaty Bible Institute led by Alexander Kiriakov, himself a graduate of the Institute. For the staff and students there has been uncertainty about the ongoing availability of the property. The state owned the land on which ABI is located.
The Baptist Union were able initially to purchase the building, which was formerly a kindergarten, but not the land. This was like a ‘cloud’ hanging over the Institute creating uncertainty about the long-term availability of the facilities. The whole situation was complicated from a legal, political, and religious standpoint.
For 15 years prayer was focused on obtaining permission to purchase the land and secure the funds to pay for it. The challenges were many, opposition was strong, and the likelihood of having permission granted seemed low. Eventually, a miracle happened!
In April this year (2023), the long-awaited permission to buy the land was granted! The money required was considerable by ABI’s standards. £75,000 was needed for the 73 acres of land, and a limited period of one month permitted for the payment.
Praise God that with the support of SGA partners we were able to help fund this vital development. Alexander shares its significance.
‘This event is of great importance for the development of spiritual education ministry in Central Asia. Now our educational institution can safely develop without the fear that some state organization will take the land or require the Bible Institute to relocate.’
We are grateful for divine intervention! God answered prayer by making the land available for purchase and He provided the necessary funds. All this has given a measure of security for the future of the Institute.
Pray for the staff and students as they engage in Gospel ministry in the various countries of Central Asia.