Uzbekistan is a 'double-landlocked' country (fully surrounded by landlocked countries) in Central Asia. The population was largely converted to Islam during the Early Muslim Conquests in the 7th century.
Uzbekistan is yet another Central Asian country located along the historic Silk Road connecting China with the Middle East and Rome. The Trans-Caspian Railway - built in the 19th century - linked the Caspian Sea with Uzbekistan during the Russian Empire's expansion. Russia conquered the territory of present-day Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after the Bolshevik Revolution was eventually suppressed and a Soviet socialist republic established in 1924.
Independent since 1991 upon the dissolution of the USSR, the country is striving to reduce its dependence on the cotton monoculture by diversifying agricultural production while developing its mineral and petroleum export capacity and increasing its manufacturing base. Poverty remains a problem for many but has been declining.
Ministry is difficult for evangelical churches in Uzbekistan. The government maintains tight control over all religious groups, sparked in part by its fear of radical Islamic uprisings. SGA supports the ministries of Uzbek churches as God opens the opportunities, including through missionary pastor sponsorship, children's ministries such as Immanuel's Child, summer camps, humanitarian aid, Compassion Ministry, and other helps.
Uzbekistan is ostensibly a secular country and its constitution states that religious organisations and associations must be separated from the state. However, true freedom-of-religion does not exist.
In the early 1990s with the end of Soviet power large groups of Islamic missionaries, mostly from Saudi Arabia and Turkey, came to Uzbekistan to propagate Sufi and Wahhabi interpretations of Islam.
Protestants are less than one percent of the population. A 2015 study estimates some 10,000 believers in Christ from a Muslim background in the country, most of them belonging to some sort of evangelical or charismatic Protestant community.
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Church PlantingSGA exists to bring Biblical truth to the people of the former Soviet Union. Since the fall of communism, many churches have been planted but there are still many places without a Christian witness... | |
Pastoral SupportFull-time Christian ministry in the former USSR is difficult when local churches can't afford to support their own pastors. SGA helps by coordinating sponsorships and raising support... | |
Bible Students & CollegesPreparing faithful pastors, missionaries, youth leaders and children's workers for lifetimes of ministry is vital to sustain evangelical churches. SGA assists by sponsoring seminaries and students... | |
Bibles & Literature DistributionDuring Soviet times, SGA printed and smuggled Bibles across the Iron Curtain. Today, Bibles and Christian books are still needed, especially in Central Asia. SGA continues to raise funds for literature distribution... | |
Orphanage MinistriesThere are hundreds of thousands of children in orphanages across the former Soviet Union. Who will teach these children about their creator who loves them? SGA's 'Orphans Reborn' program was designed to meet this need... | |
Summer Camp SponsorshipsIn summer, a huge evangelistic effort is made to reach thousands of children through Christian summer camps. SGA raises funds to pay for disadvantaged children to attend, so they can learn about God's love... | |
Humanitarian AidIn the poorest regions, there is special need for humanitarian aid. Through missionaries, pastors and church volunteers, needy people are receiving spiritual and practical help. SGA raises funds to make this outreach possible... | |
Prisons MinistriesPrisoners, especially those in despair, need to hear there is hope through the shed-blood of Christ. SGA raises support for ministry teams to conduct Bible studies and outreaches within prison walls... | |
Drug & Alcohol RehabilitationDrug and alcohol addiction are affecting thousands of men and women across the former USSR. SGA is helping local churches by raising funds for the operation of Christian rehab centres... |