Sweeping Streets as a Witness
In a town in a remote region of Central Asia, one small church has dared to attract attention.
Christians in this region face the toughest persecution in the country. Churches are usually under strict surveillance by authorities. Evangelising is forbidden, so Christians quietly live out their faith in their everyday lives.
But one small church wants to do things differently. For almost 3 years now, Innovista has been walking alongside this church. The 10 members are doing the Tempo Training course, encouraged by their pastor, Erlan*.
The church used to have more members, but many have left due to persecution from authorities, pressure from their families, and economic pressures. The church members who do have local jobs are drivers, teachers and nurses.
The church wanted to do something visible in the town. Not something that would get them in trouble, but something that would be appreciated and show people that they love their community. They decided to do a town clean up. Week after week, the small group met to pick up rubbish and tidy up their town streets. Even in the town square and opposite the large local mosques, they bravely worked.
Erlan and his church were supported to make a difference in a town like this in Central Asia.
People began to notice. People stopped them on the street and asked if they were being paid. The church was able to say ‘no, we’re doing this because of God’.
An important local official even called them and asked why they were doing it. Erlan explained that they wanted their town to be clean and safe. The deputy mayor was so impressed, he arranged for a truck to come and collect their rubbish.
Innovista trainer Andrey* has been coaching Erlan for almost 3 years, which led to training for the whole church. In that time, persecution has increased, and people have left. But this small church has stayed and Andrey has kept walking with them.
Now, the church has begun a new project. They intentionally share the good news of Jesus with one person each week.
Coaching helped Erlan to stay in this town for the church. Tempo training helped the church see that they can be witnesses of the good news of Jesus in their town. Please pray for them as they keep showing God’s love in their community.
*For security reasons, names have been changed and all photos are representative.
Supporting leaders where they're needed most.
Innovista identifies, equips and develops Christian leaders working in challenging locations. Every year, we train and mentor around 1,500 leaders in Britain, Ireland, Moldova, Ukraine, Central Asia and beyond. We help leaders transform people and communities through churches, ministries and enterprises. Inspired by Jesus, we equip leaders to build a better world.
