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Pastor Sentenced to Four Years in Prison
Christian pastor Dmitry Shestakov was sentenced to four years in prison for 'illegal' religious activities. He was accused of operating an illegal religious organization, distributing materials that promote religious extremism and inciting religious hatred. The Pastor shepherds a church of 100 people in both Russian and Uzbek languages, and is married with 3 young daughters. Prison authorities have refused to give Dimitry the medications he uses for high blood pressure and a history of heart problems.

Uzbekistan
Ranked the 9th worst persecutor of Christians in the world, the church in Uzbekistan has now grown to over 25,000 members. Most expatriate Christians have been expelled from the country, leaving the church young and vulnerable. Christian literature is desperately needed, but its production and importation is virtually banned by the government. Evangelism or missionary activity can earn three years in prison, and meeting together in an unregistered group can mean up to five years in jail.

Uzbekistan is truly a country where only a tiny fraction of the Muslim majority have ever heard about Christianity. There is no translation of the Old Testament. Christian radio is extremely limited. The Jesus Film was banned from public showing. The indigenous church is working to duplicate and produce more Christian films in country to help share the gospel.
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