Tajikistan

Leader: President Emomali Rakhmon
Population: 7 million (74,000 Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Republic
World Watch Rank: 33

Pressure on new Christians comes from relatives and the extended family network, as Tajik identity is associated with being Muslim. Changing religion brings great shame on the family. Teaching Christianity to children is a very sensitive issue in the country. However, government control on religious activities has also increased and the import or distribution of Christian literature is very restricted. Christians active in outreach risk harassment, beatings and, occasionally, arrest.

Please Pray:

• For the economic situation. Many Tajik people, including Christians, struggle daily to provide for their families
• For Tajik Christians who are under pressure from their relatives to renounce their faith
• For Christian parents to have the courage to let their children go to Sunday Schools and summer camps.