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The truth comes out
Since the Iron Curtain lifted, Central Asians have been seeking to define their
own cultural identity. And for many, this identity was found in the religions
practiced by their families for centuries. Because of this, Central Asians
have been quick to dismiss Christianity as something their Russian oppressors
tried to impose upon them.
However, Christians trained by Bible League International have been
able point out several artifacts and traditions that indicate historical
ties between Central Asia and the Bible. Mounting evidence seems to prove that Christianity spread to
this region long before Islam or Zoroastrianism, two of the predominant religions
of today:
- Traditional wigwams have a triple crossing of bars in the upper part of
the construction—a visible reminder of the Trinity.
- An oft-repeated Central Asian proverb is remarkably similar to the teachings
of Jesus, “If somebody casts a stone at you, do not cast it back,
but feed your enemy.”
- Most Central Asians strictly forbid the breaking of bones of cattle or
sheep in slaughtering and cooking their meat, just as the biblical
traditions found in Exodus 12:46 and John 19:36.
- Symbols found in traditional rugs and artwork directly coincide with events
in the life and death of Jesus Christ.
The significance of this evidence has not been lost on the people of Central
Asia. One Central Asian newspaper carried a thought-provoking headline, “Are
we converting to Christianity, or returning to it?” And in reaching the
people of Central Asia, one of the most powerful questions for evangelism has
become, “Why do you profess the religions of your
conquerors, and forget Christianity, the faith of your forefathers?”
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Bible League International’s method, which combines evangelism and discipleship
by Bible study lessons,
has been especially effective in reaching Central Asians. According to the
Director of Ministries for Central Asia, they are especially receptive to the
Bible study material because it emphasizes family relationships and oral traditions—key
cultural values. Plus, because Bible studies are spread
friend-to-friend, it’s easier in approaching those who are resistant to the message of Jesus Christ.
Bible
studies
not only receive their very own copies of God’s Word, but also a basic
understanding of the message it holds. The number of Central Asians who complete
a Bible study is growing by leaps and bounds each year—a
testimony to the incredible work of God in this region of intense persecution and spiritual resistance.
Spiritual warfare
There is a small, but growing, core of committed Christians scattered through
Central Asia, and they are praying for God’s saving grace on the people
of their nations. Unfortunately, they are not the only ones trying to “evangelize” this
region. More than 10,000 of Islamic missionaries have
been trained and are now being deployed into Central Asia.
Now, more than ever, Central Asians need your prayers. Pray that as they seek
to find their identity, they will find it in Jesus Christ. Pray also that Central
Asian Christians will have courage in sharing their faith, and that God will
provide them both spiritual and physical protection.
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“I was shocked. I always thought He was a Russian God...”
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To learn more about the Persecuted Church in Central Asia, click here
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Central Asia
