Tajikistan remains the poorest former Soviet country—plagued by corruption, persecution, and a dependence on Russia and remittances. Ongoing drug and terrorism problems with neighboring Afghanistan have produced ISIS-linked attacks and illicit drug traffic equal to nearly one third of the Tajik national GDP. The five-year Tajik civil war after the Soviet Union’s collapse solidified Emomali Rahmon’s position as the first president, where he has remained in power since. His son is being positioned as his successor.

The civil war also resulted in substantial emigration, which included Christians, who now make up less than half of one percent of the remaining population. Religious persecution and human rights violations remain pervasive, with Tajikistan designated as a “Country of Particular Concern” by the U.S. State Department and ranking 44th on the 2023 World Watch List of the top 50 worst countries in the world for persecution against Christians. As in other Central Asian nations, all organized religious activity is subject to governmental approval, applying even to Muslims, despite their making up more than 99% of the population. Protestant churches have been fined for producing Tajik translations of the Bible without government approval, and children’s ministries are complicated by the illegality of minors practicing religion in public. Such laws have pushed the evangelical church—less than a tenth of one percent of the population—almost entirely underground.

Despite these challenges, our School Without Walls (SWW) program continues by working with underground churches in Tajikistan, sharing the gospel safely and discreetly through various ministries like sports camps, social events, and strategic teaching for spiritual growth and unity in the Tajik church. In 2023, you supported our SWW ministry training for 50 enrolled leaders, 16 of whom graduated from the full two-year program. Please pray for these believers as many face adversity even from their unbelieving relatives.