Kazakhstan
Leader
How many Christians?
Main threat
- Dictatorial paranoia
How many Christians are there in Kazakhstan?
There are 4.9 million Christians in Kazakhstan; they make up a quarter of the total population.
How are Christians persecuted in Kazakhstan?
There is no freedom of worship in Kazakhstan. The government has steadily increased its control over religious expression in the country, which means increased surveillance, raids on church meetings and arrests.
Kazakh Christians from a Muslim background bear the worst persecution, both at the hands of the state and from family, friends and community. Some converts are locked up by their families for long periods, beaten and potentially expelled from their communities. This persecution is more intense in rural areas.
Meet Khan*
“If I leave, who will tell them about Isa [Jesus]? How can they learn about Him if not through me? The more brutally they beat me, the more I saw their need for loving Isa Massih.” Khan
What’s life like for Christians in Kazakhstan?
The Russian Orthodox Church suffers very little at the hands of the government, but this is because they do not try to openly evangelise to the Kazakh people.
Many believers from Muslim backgrounds have to keep their faith a secret. If discovered, Christian men face verbal and physical abuse, rejection and loss of their inheritance. For women who convert, they are more likely to face house arrest or even abduction and forced marriage.
How can I help Christians in Kazakhstan?
Please keep praying for your brothers and sisters in Kazakhstan. Your gifts and prayers make an enormous difference to those following Jesus no matter the cost.
Open Doors strengthens the persecuted church in Central Asia primarily through initiatives that include literature distribution, Christian training, socio-economic projects and prayer support.
Is it getting easier to be a Christian in Kazakhstan?
Open Doors strengthens persecuted Christians in Central Asia by providing Bibles and Christian literature, training, socio-economic projects and practical aid.
Dear Lord, we ask You to pour out Your Holy Spirit anew upon Your people in Kazakhstan. Bless and strengthen those who follow Jesus despite the risk. Make Your face known to believers and unbelievers alike. Help those who are living under constant pressure; let them feel the peace only You can bring. In the name of Jesus, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
*Name changed for security reasons
