[2023 Ramadan Day 14] Tajikistan, the Final Military that will Rise Up!

Tajikistan is geographically located in Central Asia, but belongs to the Persian people. After the spread of Islam in the 7th and 8th century, they lived with an Islamic identity for more than 1,300 years. Although ruled by Russia since the 19th century and subjected to religious oppression during the former Soviet Union, their Muslim identity has not been shaken.

After declaring independence, Tajikistan suffered a civil war from 1992 to 1997 due to regional and ideological conflicts between communist and Islamic forces. The current president, who came to power during the civil war, has ruled for 29 years, banning women from wearing the hijab, and disbanding the Islamic revival party, which is the only religious party, due to the extreme caution of Islam becoming a political force, and achieved political stability to this day. Over the past decade, the country's capital has been transforming into a whole new city modeled after Dubai. Buildings with under 5 stories from the former Soviet Union were demolished one by one and highrises of 15-20 stories are being erected all over the city. Meanwhile, a secular wave is shaking the young generation of Tajikistan.

Many souls that were desperate and thirsty due to the turmoil of the post-independence civil war were able to hear the gospel through the works of the Holy Spirit. As they experienced miracles of healing in the name of Jesus, a new wave of the Holy Spirit blew through this land and churches were being planted. However, after the bombing of a church in 2000 and the martyrdom of a local minister in 2003, the church seemed to be temporarily stagnant, hesitant to move forward in suffering and persecution. However, God’s work continues to advance through those who obey Him, and since 2019, there have been more and more Christians who desire to preach the gospel to the nations. As people celebrate Ramadan this year, they prepare to fast by abstaining from their free lives. A local university student said he was preparing to fast though he had classes all day. The effect of Ramadan seems to be fading due to the wave of secularism, but people are still moving toward their god. During this time as darkness reigns over the minds and the hearts of the people of Tajikistan, all chains that bind this nation with lies and darkness will be broken in the name of Jesus. The people of Tajikistan will rise up as holy disciples who serve Jesus, the Lamb of God, and prepare the way for the return of the Lord!

“For behold, I am stirring up and bringing against Babylon a gathering of great nations, from the north country. And they shall array themselves against her. From there she shall be taken. Their arrows are like a skilled warrior who does not return empty-handed.” (Jeremiah 50:9)

Amen. God gave the people of Tajikstan the strength of nomads to fulfill his holy mission in these last days. He equipped them with the spirit to pioneer the Silk Road, and built them to run joyfully even on long journeys. Along the Silk Road, the young generation will dance like David, worship the Lord, and bring spiritual awakening so that heaven comes upon the nations of the Silk Road. They will fulfill the the Lord’s Great Commission with the spirituality of martyrdom!

[Today's prayer]

1. All strongholds of Islam in Tajikistan are crumbling apart. The worship and prayers of those who preach the gospel are bearing fruit in this land. The final battle will be a fierce spiritual warfare. As Tajikistan marches forward on the last Silk Road with the gospel, may all lies and darkness of Islam be cast out! May they rise as a channel of life to save those who are racing towards darkness, with only the hope of heaven in their hearts! May they become a nation that rejoices to enter the eternal kingdom, commits for martyrdom, and stands boldly in the midst of spiritual wafare.

2. Lord, would You pour out your promised Holy Spirit upon the young generation and churches of Tajikistan. Pour out your promised Holy Spirit upon the people of Tajikistan to fulfill your final calling with strength and urgency! May they rise as disciples of Jesus who will pierce the heart of darkness and shine the light which turns people to the Lord. Engrave your will upon their hearts and let them advance toward the last frontier. May they proclaim the victory of the cross along the Silk Road, and rise as stewards who do not fear the kings of this world, worshipping only our Lord, the eternal King.