Tajik Christian leaders speak of a great spiritual darkness upon the people. However, over the last 18 months, there is much to thank God for. Advances have been made, prayers have been answered, and there are exciting new opportunities for the Gospel.
The people of Pamir are a separate ethnic group which differs from the rest of Tajikistan in respect of language, culture, and religion. They have the outward appearance of being Muslims, but their beliefs are a strange mixture of folk religion, spiritualism, and witchcraft.
They can be deeply suspicious of outsiders and are strongly opposed to the idea of any Pamiris converting to Christianity. Such a decision they believe, disgraces them all and insults their dead ancestors. Consequently, the few Christians living in Pamir have experienced opposition which at times has resulted in death threats levelled against them. This is the context of the initiative to bring the Gospel into Pamir.
Nevertheless, advances have been made, and Tajik believers have been working hard to gain a foothold in Pamir. In a wonderful answer to prayer, an opportunity opened to begin a work in a strategic town in the region.
Vital needs within the community were identified by visiting believers, and as a result, several projects were initiated with the aim of gaining the confidence of the local people. Believers helped with the construction of buildings and sports grounds. The ‘Joy of Christmas’ project brought gifts and help to children and young people. Widows and vulnerable families received food and other practical supplies.
Summer camps were organized, and SGA-sponsored missionaries have been making regular visits to the area. The aim of these initiatives is to serve the people and share the truth of Christ. Several conversions have resulted, and a much larger number of homes are now open to believers as they travel in the region. However, to make the most of these opportunities the need for a permanent presence in the area was obvious. That presence will soon become a reality in the form of a new Hope Centre currently under construction.
Hope Centre - Pamir
Hope Centres have a proven track record of advancing the Gospel in Central Asia. They are places of refuge and humanitarian care for the practical needs of vulnerable people. As in other places in Tajikistan, there are many such needs in Pamir, and plans have existed for some time to build a facility in the region.
However, local bureaucracy, the inhospitable climate, and poor infrastructure have resulted in the project being delayed. Praise God, construction has now begun, and good progress is being made. Believers are praying that the opening of this new Hope Centre will be a strategic milestone in their mission to reach Pamir with the Gospel.
In addition to caring for the practical needs of the community, this new facility will be a base for missionaries travelling to other parts of Pamir. They are also praying this building will become the first registered church in the region.
