CENTRAL ASIA: CHRISTIAN TEENAGERS FACING PERSECUTION BECAUSE THEY WANT TO GO TO SUMMER CAMPS

After an amazing summer of christian youth festivals and events here in the uk and Ireland, we’ve been hearing from partners who run summer camps for teenagers in central asia.

These camps are an amazing way for young isolated Christians to gather, learn more about God and support one another. And whilst these camps will look very different from Satellites, Dreaming the Impossible, Magnitude, Summer Madness, Limitless and New Day, they are all serving the same purpose: to help young people meet with Jesus and grow their faith in God. But, sadly, often those who attend these camps can face pressure and persecution. Even asking for permission to go can cause problems for young Christians from Muslim families.

Will you join us in praying for the young people mentioned below?

All are from regions in Central Asia where the majority of people follow a strict version of Islam. A local Pastor involved in the camps shared these three quick stories with us:

Forced to wear a hijab

“We really look forward to the camps, but there are difficulties. One girl was forced by her stepfather to wear a hijab and not go out without it. She refused and has not gone anywhere for a week. She is 19 years old and is told that she needs to get married, and that she is too old for such a ‘nonsense’ camp.”

Beaten for asking to go to a camp

“Another young believer, age 17 years-old was beaten when he asked his (Muslim) parents to write a letter of permission for him to attend the camp (he is 17 years old). His older brother and his friends (all Muslims) explained to him that he should go to work, and not rest, when they themselves are doing nothing.”

New faith

“A new young Christian convert, Ahmad*, who is 18 years old, has only decided to dedicate his life to Christ in the last few weeks, is under a lot of pressure from his uncle. We managed to come to an agreement with the family, so that he can attend the camp, but the uncle is a radical Islamist. Please, pray that he does not create obstacles for us.”

Please pray

“Everyone is very eager and wants to go, but these young people meet strong resistance from relatives, neighbours and friends. Please pray for this summer camp, both teenagers and youth.”

Use the prayer points below to help guide your prayers…