Central Asia

The Muslim-majority countries of Central Asia (Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan) are very challenging and dangerous locations for Christians. The two countries Innovista has staff in are both on Open Doors’ ‘World Watch List’, because of the high levels of persecution believers face. Converts to Christianity are rejected (or worse) by their families and communities, and human rights abuses are commonplace, including violence, arbitrary arrests and fines.

Church leaders have to be not only extremely careful, but also creative in how they support and mentor young leaders as the difficult economic conditions and widespread corruption lead many to leave the area.

The region remains geographically, culturally and spiritually hard to reach. The church is small, under-resourced and under pressure, but the few who follow Jesus, do so wholeheartedly. They are passionate about reaching the unreached, and are asking to be shown how. Local Innovista staff in Central Asia are helping to equip a new generation of courageous Christian leaders to see their communities changed by the love of Jesus.