KAZAKHSTAN
Kazakhstan is the world’s largest landlocked country, near 4 times the size of Texas. It is located in central Asia and is bordered by Russia in the north, China in the east, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan in the south and the Caspian Sea and part of Turkmenistan in the west.
Kazakhstan is mostly steppe land with hilly plains and plateaus. 19.6 million people live in Kazakhstan and the capital is called Astana. The official language is Kazakh. It was part of the former Soviet republic but became independent in 1991.
Today it is a multiparty democracy in theory, but in practice it continues with an authoritarian rule. The Kazakhs are a Turkic people and are the second largest Muslim people group in central Asia. 60% are Muslim, 15% are Orthodox Christian and only 0.61% are evangelical Christians.
Christians and especially church planters face persecution from authorities, strict Muslims and from unbelieving family members. With 72 different people groups, Kazakhs are strategic for outreach. Many Kazakhs have never heard the gospel of Jesus.
The foundation of Kazakh culture is hospitality, which always starts with a cup of tea. The host offers tea to any person who comes to his house. Guests must accept the kindness, or the host will be offended.
Church planters supported by 360Serve in Kazakhstan are always looking for opportunities to express kindness, grace and love as this provides open doors for the gospel.
Support a Kazakh Church Planting Pastor
Amir grew up in a Muslim family. One night he had a dream in which his grandmother, who had passed away, was holding a sign that said “Lord Jesus Christ.” In the dream she said, ”It’s fine, don’t be scared.” After that dream, Amir trusted in Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He now serves as a church planting pastor reaching Kazakhstan for Christ.