The GLS in Kazakhstan

According to Christianity Today, evangelical Christianity in Kazakhstan is on the rise. While most of the country claims a Muslim faith, urban Kazakhs are a part of a growing trend of young Christ-followers in the country. Kazakhstan is a country of collisions where several different ethnic and religious traditions intermingle, although most Kazakhs call themselves Muslims. A former state in the Soviet USSR, Kazakhstan served as a deportation site of many ethnic groups during the reign of Stalin, further contributing to the colorful cultural landscape.

The GLS has been in Kazakhstan since 2007. Pictured below are worshippers during our first year there.

The GLS in Kazakhstan has not been met without resistance. The country's current leader is constantly working to ban free press along with banning his political opponents. Christianity in Kazakhstan hasn't gone unscathed. Recently, the governement tried to pass a law effectively prohibiting the presence of foreign missionaries in Kazakhstan, and it was under the threat of this law that the GLS in 2008 was almost shut down. To get a feel for all that happened, here is an email excerpt from one of the GLS's representatives in attendance there:

Almaty, Kazakhstan 2008-11-26

”What do you think of the GLS?”

“We don´t think…we feel. We feel Grace, we experience the
Grace and the Mercy of the Lord”

…so much for trying to be a smart journalist….

This was said after Bill´s [Hybels] first session at the Kazakhstan GLS. A GLS, that has encountered several obstacles during the last couple of days. First session went very well…people were engaged and laughed and applauded.Then during the break one of the Organizing Committee members came and told us that the Security Police
had called and asked what kind of event was going on and also they sent an officer to check during the break. They asked if there were any non-Kazak people on stage…..but both our facilitator and all worship teams are Kazak. There is a new law about to be passed end of this week that will quite effectively prohibit internationals to enter the country to do any sort of missions related work. Even Russian citizens are considered foreigners in this regard.

So, keep praying that the GLS can go on today and tomorrow without any further interference from the authorities. Pray also for the Body of Christ in Kazakhstan and the Church leaders ….they are under hard pressure and we are honoured to be able to serve them by bringing the GLS here. It´s greatly appreciated!

Ulf

After this official government inquiry, the GLS was allowed to continue. The leaders there were envisioned and inspired. And, the law itself never officially passed.

God is at work in Kazakhstan. Be in prayer for the Christian leaders of this country as they have massive obstacles they are up against. Entrenched cultural systems and governmental opposition are just a couple examples of all they have working against them. The GLS exists to build these leaders up so these dedicated men and women can have the leadership tools in their arsenal that they need to bring the gospel to Kazakhstan.