VOM Is Reporting Increasing Persecution in Uzbekistan

WDC Media News is quoting VOM's Todd Nettleton  today regarding the escalation of persecution in the region of Uzbekistan.  Just as in India persecution is increasing, it is also increasing in this area of the former Soviet bloc country.

The article says, "Christians in Uzbekistan house churches are choosing to meet in groups of five people or less to avoid being arrested, imprisoned, deported, or fined by the government."  Can you imagine how well that would go over here in America?  I think this is a very important thing for us American Christians to remember.  Small groups of Christians together is not a bad thing.  Unfortunately, in Uzbekistan they have to resort to these groups, when no doubt there are many more who want to fellowship.  Here in America all too often it seems that we think groups of 5 or less is somehow evidence of a failing ministry.  That's not necessarily true.

What is true is that our suffering brothers and sisters have to go to such extremes in order to fellowship without fear of punishment.  Which makes me wonder what would I do if I was in the same situation.

Nettleton also mentioned that Christians are " really are kind of caught in the middle between old line communist domination of religion and between Muslims in the country, including some who are becoming more radicalized,"  Nettleton also points out, state television in Uzbekistan broadcast a program titled "Hypocrites," which attacked Christians throughout the country. Also, he notes, VOM has learned that the Uzbekistani government has been expelling missionaries, people working with non-governmental organizations, and even local Christians." 

Please remember our most powerful weapon is prayer.  Lift up those in other countries like India and Uzbekistan who are living in such oppressed areas.