letter from Uzbekistan
Uzbekistan has until recently been a very difficult country in which to openly share the gospel, but there are encouraging signs that the newly appointed government is less hostile to evangelical believers.
With this new openness, gospel opportunities are arising. Where other more traditional means of Christian witness may be restricted, there is no difficulty in using community buildings called ‘Hope Centres’ where vulnerable and disadvantaged children can receive hot meals, warm clothes, support and education.
Women who find salvation in Christ and are rejected by their communities can also find a place of safety and shelter. SGA (UK) has long recognised the significant role that these Centres play in spreading the gospel within a Muslim context. Four new Hope Centres are being established in Uzbekistan. Recently, the renovation of one of these was completed in a small desert town. Much effort has been invested and local believers have freely given their time recognising that to start an effective ministry to children and their families, especially among the Uzbeks, there was an urgent need to renovate and refurbish the Hope Centre building.
In another exciting new development, SGA (UK) is also supporting Hope Centre ministry in Mongolia, Eastern Asia. Within indigenous nations, Hope Centres take the form of a yurt-tent rather than an official building. The advantage in using yurts is that they are practical for life in the deserts, no matter if it is extremely hot or extremely cold. In these often remote and isolated areas, children will hear, many for the first time, that there is a living God who sent His Son to die for them and who gives true hope for the future. May the Lord be glorified through these Centres of Hope and may children and their families find a Living Hope for all eternity.
www.sga.org.uk
