"We come alongside these people, and we see their faith, and actually that is the key way to know them, because we see them live out their faith, that they are genuine, and they love the Lord with all their hearts. In spite of all this persecution, they are going forward, and they have joy.
—Jasur, Field Minister in Uzbekistan
Prisoners of Hope Podcast
Hear Directly from Our Field Ministers on the Ground in Uzbekistan & Tajikistan
In this week's episode, our CEO Joshua Youssef talks with our Field Minister Feruza, who serves in Uzbekistan and across Central Asia with her husband Jasur. She shares how she came to faith after watching the Jesus film on a borrowed VHS, what it's like to follow Christ in these former Soviet nations, and how we can be praying for believers there.
State Surveillance
Authoritarian governments inherited Soviet-era surveillance systems and turned them against religious minorities. Unregistered religious activity is illegal, and authorities monitor, raid, and prosecute those who worship outside state-approved groups.
Community Rejection
Leaving Islam can bring shame, ostracism, and threats. Believers lose their jobs, face public criticism, and are sometimes told they will not even be allowed to be buried in the same cemetery as their parents.
Criminalized Faith
Evangelism is a criminal act. Religious education of minors is banned. Bibles are confiscated, house churches are raided, and those caught face fines, detention, and forced labor.