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Pastor Remains Faithful Despite Persecution
Salavat Serikbayev became a Christian in 1994, one of the first Christians in his home town of of Muinaq. He immediately became the pastor of a small group of believers. In January of 2007, police raided a home in Nuku, where Salavat was spending some time with Christian friends. Salavat was charged with 'violating the procedure for teaching religion.' In May, Salavat was given a two-year suspended prison sentence (later reduced to one year) and labour for the state.



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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