Overview Central Asia
A Deeper Look
About Central Asia
Few other places are as laden with opportunity for God to work through His people as Central Asia. In the five "stan" countries, there are 52 million souls who are coming out of 75 years of living under the "old Soviet system." Although Central Asia is only nominally Muslim, stability is highly valued by the government and freedom to express oneself or gather with others is limited. Less than 1/2 a percent of the people are Christian. In the past 3 years we have sent 20 Perimeter members on Go Journeys to Central Asia, partnering to equip church leaders and business entrepreneurs as well as serve disabled orphans and their families. Although religious freedom is limited, many Central Asians are hungry for the truth. Perimeter desires not only to see a church planted among these people, but also would like to see an indigenous church planting movement spread throughout the region. The intent is to begin a Church Planting Movement (CPM) throughout Central Asia. This involves helping, equipping and supporting locals with necessary skills so that God?s church can be established and grow. (There are about 6000-8000 believers in a country with a population of 25 million.) Rather than working to plant a single church, the goal is to facilitate the planting of many churches, which are relevant to the Central Asian culture and can multiply. In a nutshell, it is believed that the local believers can plant churches better faster and more culturally relevant than expatriates.
Journey Experience
"I met one young man who was Muslim mainly by birth and culture but not a committed one. I shared the Gospel with him and we continue to e-mail each other."
-Jason Smith, Go Journey Participant-
"Central Asia is a place where one person can make a difference, and also a place where you feel needed and appreciated."
-Marc Van Kley, GO Journey Participant-
"It was so rewarding to see orphans, who are usually ignored, smile and eagerly reach out to be touched."
-Mo Francine, Central Asia Team Leader-
"Long walk home" - by Joe
Central Asia References
Central Asia Team Leader
This fall, a team provided business training and micro-finance to select individuals to aid in business startups. Forty-three micro-business loans have been granted with a 93% payback rate in small businesses like bakeries, cattle raising, tailoring, and fruit drying. Other team members spent time in orphanages and laid the plans to help disabled children return to home settings. Perimeter's December 2004 special offering aided in the purchase of a halfway house to accelerate this process.
