(Prayer information via OpenDoors)
Considered to be one of the most restrictive countries in the world, Turkmenistan has no freedom of information or press. The government opposes every group it cannot control, and as a secular regime, it especially opposes religion. Police and secret services keep the church under strict surveillance. Unregistered churches and meetings are raided, material is confiscated – and it is impossible to do youth work or train leaders openly. Islam plays an important role in community life, and families react strongly to relatives who change their faith.
PRAY:
- For Muslim-background believers who have hardly any freedom to practice their faith..
- For oppressed believers who need income-generating microloans to help them survive.
Quick Facts About Turkmenistan:
Leader: President Berdymukhamedov
Government: One-party state
Main Religion: Islam
Government: One-party state
Main Religion: Islam
Population: 5.3 million (94,700 Christians)
Source of persecution: Dictatorial paranoia/Organised corruption
Source of persecution: Dictatorial paranoia/Organised corruption