Nestled between China, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, this tiny mountainous republic has adopted a Western-style democracy. For centuries, foreigners imposed their ideologies on the country-Turkic armies brought Islam in the 17th Century, Russians took over in the 19th, and Communism was imposed in the 20th. Kyrgystan was the first Central Asian republic to break free from the USSR.

Although it has a secular government, Muslim opposition clamors for an Islamic state and vigorously opposes the religious freedom of worship, that is guaranteed by the nation's constitution. Sixty percent of the population is Muslim, but they practice a form of Islam called Sufi mysticism. According to Operation World, Christians are almost entirely from immigrant ethnic groups made up of Germans (many of whom have been leaving for Germany since 1988), Russians or Ukrainians. Nominalism is common within the Orthodox and Catholic churches. Using the unprecedented freedoms gained since 1990, Baptists, Pentecostals, and Adventists have held large evangelistic meetings. Protestant churches are growing and some Kyrgyz have come to faith in Christ.

Kyrgyzstan's terrain-mostly mountainous-hinders rural missionary work. The Kyrgyz majority lives in rural villages, few of which have ever been reached. An additional problem with rural evangelism is the growing presence of radical Islamists. There is openness to the gospel but also a fear to commit.

The high literacy rate of 99 percent, however, offers an opening for literature and bible distribution. The New Testament was published in 1992 (Institute for Bible Translation) as was the Kyrgyz version of the Koran. Many have compared the two and are favorably impressed with the bible message. The JESUS film and video, widely used in Russian, is also available in Kyrgyz. However, finances and the personnel to have these outreaches operating are limited.

Four prayer teams, with members ranging from 30-67yrs. old, entered Kyrgystan to pray against demonic strongholds and intercede on behalf of the people living there. Strongholds include the following: atheism, fear, discouragement, alcoholism and shame. Although democratic in nature, many government officials are still corrupt. Double-dealing and bribery are common. In addition, many Kyrgyz are deceived by witchcraft and ancient idol worship.

Despite these strongholds, nearly 150 Kyrgystan people gave their lives to Jesus Christ during one of the team's worship services. God led team members to pray and worship from the top of an ancient Islamic minaret. Replacing false worship with true worship, God has also brought together two Korean/Russian Kyrgyz/Maiti churches, one Pentecostal, the other Presbyterian. A setback occurred in early 1994, when authorities in one Kyrgyz village reportedly compiled a list of people attending Christian meetings. Children were allegedly forced to deny their faith in Christ. Although technically, freedom of religion is a constitutional guarantee, in practice it doesn't always exist.

• Pray for the light of the gospel to penetrate the darkness. Ask the Lord to create a time and place for a visitation of His Holy Spirit and from there to go forth to all boundaries of Kyrgyzstan.
• Pray for ears to hear and minds to understand the gospel. Ask the Lord to release His Spirit of sonship over the people-that the enemy's deception will be lifted that the Kyrgyz will have opportunity to receive the Holy Spirit.
• Ask God to bring salvation to shamans and their families. Pray that they will have a revelation of the two distinct kingdoms-darkness and light.
• Pray for foreign ministers and workers who are adept to learning the language. Ask God to supernaturally give them tongues to speak and understand when the opportunity arises.
• Pray for leadership to mature and send out workers into the mountain villages of Kyrgyzstan. Ask God to create a hunger and passion within believer's hearts for this nation and the many who are out of reach living in rural areas. Pray for the villagers to be ready in their hearts for the King, when He comes to knock on their door.