This month, we are praying for Central Asia, which includes 10 countries. Of the 460 people groups in the region, 352 (77%) are considered unreached.
Pray for Central Asia
Pray for the chains of Islam to be broken, for unity among those in this region, and that those observing Ramadan would consider what they truly believe and find truth. Pray for creative ways for workers to be sent to this region and for seekers to have easy access to Scriptures in their own language.
Additional Resources
Pulling the rocks out of the ground as seeds struggle to take root…
In Western Asia, we’ve experienced the warm hospitality of a people who view the world with hopeless fatalism. In the last 50 years, a small, persistent presence of the Church has grown to nearly 10,000 believers. Yet this only represents .01% of the population.
We’ve seen various scenarios reflected in the parable of the sower….
A neighbor friend has tested beliefs she knew and found lacking, turning to atheism. We’ve had lively discussions about faith—yet, while she wants to believe, she says she just cannot.
A young woman’s faith has been choked out by family pressures and perceived social injustice, which has left her questioning if she chose the right God.
A man who has found some success in life, and showed great potential for impact, came to faith through a dream. Soon after baptism, the enemy used another “dream” to cause him to deny his new faith.
A leader in the Business for Transformation community talks about parts of the world like ours being places where we must pull out the rocks to first prepare the soil for sowing. We faithfully do that while sprinkling seed in our workplaces and among our neighbors. We trust the Lord to do the work of lasting heart change.
And there is hope! Last fall, we celebrated the baptism of three local friends. They’ve had their share of struggles: challenging economic pressures to meet daily expenses, difficult
working conditions, explaining their newfound faith to family members, struggling to accept they are truly loved. Yet, they still persist in their faith! Friends and fellow church members continue to encourage them and live out His love.
Please pray for these new believers—Rose Moon, Victor, and Princess. Pray that their seeds may be firmly rooted in good soil to grow in their faith and impact their friends and families. Pray also for the perseverance of the saints to not lose heart in pulling up rocks and planting seeds, being encouraged by the glimmers of hope where we see the Father working.
Kids Activities
Check out these activities to help your kids engage with Central Asia.
Games & Recipes
Lanka
This traditional game, played by boys for generations, requires only piece of sheep’s wool, a small scrap of fabric, and a small bit of metal.
Kyrgyz Games
Learn how to play several traditional games of Kyrgyzstan.
Lagman (Uzbek Noodle Soup)
Try this easy noodle soup topped with fresh parsley or dill!
Turkish Baklava
This traditional layered, syrupy pastry is a Turkish delicacy enjoyed worldwide!
Beshbarmak
The national dish of Kazakhstan, Beshbarmak literally means “five fingers” and is meant to be eaten by hand. Made of boiled meat, homemade noodles, and a rich broth, it’s often served for special occasions.
Share Your Experience!
Parents! Did you and your kids complete one of these activities? Send us a photo for a chance to be featured on Calvary Kids socials!
The Importance of March 20 in Central Asia
Not only is March 20 known as Nowruz—the Iranian or Persian New Year, this year, it’s also the final day of the month-long observation of Ramadan. During these final days of Ramadan, observers will celebrate two of the biggest Muslim holidays of the year—Laylat-ul-Qadr or “The Night of Power” and Eid al-Fitr or “Festival of the Breaking Fast.” Read more at the links below.
Past Regions
Looking for prayer prompts and ways to engage with regions we prayed for in past months? Find them below!