Kyrgyz Government Allows Team of Believers to Bring More Scriptures

(Photo by Lukas Bergstrom)

Kyrgyzstan (MNN) ― Despite a jaded past when it comes to religious freedoms, the Kyrgyz government is welcoming a team of believers delivering audio Scriptures to an isolated people group.

"The changes that have taken place in Kyrgyzstan at the political level seem to have opened the doors, as far as the reports that we're getting back from the team over there," explains Tom Dudenhofer, executive director of Audio Scripture Ministries (ASM). "They've been given permission to travel on an unofficial border-crossing road, and that's very big news."

The team began working with an isolated, unreached people group two years ago. The tribe was so remote that they had not seen outsiders who spoke their language in a century, and many had never seen a white man. This group lives at an altitude of 14,000 feet, and most do not read.

The ASM team was bringing them medical supplies, blankets, and necessities, but most importantly, the Gospel message. They brought 100 digital players from ASM to share the hope of the Gospel. Most of the people had never heard of Jesus.

Two years later, the team is headed out again. "This is just sort of a follow-up and a challenge to see how God's going to be working," says Dudenhofer.

ASM sent the team, which is now on their way to the remote region, with 200 more audio players. It was less than they'd hoped for, but Dudenhofer suspects it will be just enough to accomplish God's purposes.

As the teams travel to present more audio players and other assistance, danger is still a factor. Kyrgyzstan is a mostly-Muslim nation, with only 0.7% evangelicals. Muslim resistance against Christianity has grown, and restrictions have been introduced regarding the possession of Christian literature.

It's surprising, then, that the government would be so keen to let this group of believers in. Still though, Dudenhofer says that doesn't mean the threat of persecution has left. The group of believers in the remote region are open but careful about what they do, as this team will need to be.

Whatever happens, pray that connections will be established to further develop relationships and the understanding this group has of the Gospel.

Dudenhofer seems confident: "I don't think this is going to be the last chapter at all: probably just chapter two in the story of trying to minister to this very isolated, lonely group."