Alani* works with SIM Central Asia missions as the Prayer Coordinator. This region is hungry for the gospel—according to the Joshua Project, 96.4% of the Central Asia population is considered unreached.
“There’s a lot of different things happening in Central Asia, and it’s exciting to see how God is working,” Alani said, reflecting on the many stories of God’s work in Central Asia she’s heard.
“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs forth, do you not perceive it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” Isaiah 43:19
Alani’s position allows her to witness the broad spectrum of God’s work, from tales of new believers to stories of communities transformed by faith. Each story she hears is a reminder of Isaiah 43:19. Although circumstances in Central Asia are challenging for believers, God is working!
A Simple Invitation: How God Transformed Nazira’s Life in Central Asia
Alani shared a story from Toby, a SIM global worker in Central Asia. Toby does youth ministry in Central Asia with his church.
Toby was serving at an outdoor youth event at the church when a passerby named Nazira approached him. As they spoke, Toby learned that Nazira had quit her job to care for her sick, elderly mother.
“My mother is sick, so I have to be with her constantly,” Nazira explained. “I had to quit my job to take care of her. I’ve started selling my possessions, so we’ll have money for food and medical treatments.”
Toby’s heart ached for Nazira as she explained her situation. He bought an article of clothing from her, and as he paid, he extended a simple invitation.
“Our church would love for you to come and join us for our worship service on Sunday,” Toby said, gesturing to the church building. “You’re invited to come.”
Nazira smiled politely, thanked him for the invitation, and went on her way. As Toby watched her leave, he did not truly expect her to show up to the worship service.
“Then the master told his servant, ‘Go out to the roads and country lanes and compel them to come in, so that my house will be full.’” Luke 14:23
At that week’s Sunday worship service, as Toby took his seat, his eyes widened in surprise when he saw Nazira tentatively walking through the doors. She hesitated momentarily, then found a seat near the back as the service began.
As the service drew to a close, another woman close to Nazira’s age approached, sitting in the empty seat next to her.
“What did you think of the service? Did you understand the teaching?” She gently asked Nazira.
Nazira nodded, thinking about the many questions she had. She began asking the kind woman all about the teaching. Sensing the Holy Spirit at work, she shared the gospel with Nazira. Nazira’s face lit up as she told her about God’s love and salvation.
Nazira said she wanted to invite Jesus into her heart.
The woman prayed with Nazira, guiding her through a prayer of salvation. That day Nazira received salvation from Jesus! As Nazira left the church transformed, she decided her local friends needed to hear this gospel message, too. She would invite them to come to next week’s service with her.
The following week, Nazira was back at church, this time accompanied by her friends. As they listened to the pastor’s teaching, something remarkable happened; they, too, decided to become followers of Christ.
Eventually, Nazira walked through the church doors with her mother—her mother, who had been too sick to leave the house for months, was healthy enough now to attend church! Praise the Lord that day, Nazira’s mother decided to follow Jesus, too!
God’s ways of drawing His children to Himself are mysterious and wonderful, and sometimes, it all begins with a simple invitation; “Come to my church on Sunday!”
“All praise to God. God is working,” Alani said, smiling as she reflected on Nazira’s journey to faith. “God is working in Central Asia in amazing ways!”
“So is my word that goes out from my mouth: It will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.” Isaiah 55:11
From Floorball to Faith: How Sports Opened the Door to the Gospel in Central Asia
Bruce, a SIM missionary in Central Asia, hosts floorball games to connect with the community. Floorball, a popular sport in the region, is similar to hockey but played indoors with a stick and a ball instead of a puck. Bruce and his team travel to schools throughout the area, introducing students to the sport and teaching them how to play as a form of sports ministry.
After their presentation at one school, enthusiasm for the game quickly spread. Four new floorball teams were formed, with coaches from Bruce’s ministry leading each one. The students eagerly signed up and were excited to be part of the new teams.
As practice began, students on the teams noticed something different about Bruce and the other coaches from his ministry. Unlike a typical coach, these coaches didn’t smoke or drink during practices. They didn’t swear or use bad words when they got frustrated. Their behavior stood out and particularly caught the interest of a student named Dinara, and her four friends.
Dinara was especially touched by how different and kind these coaches were. After many sessions of observing the coaches, Dinara and her friends decided to learn more about Bruce and his coaching friends.
“Do you coach other teams as well?” Dinara asked. “Or do you have other meetings and presentations besides floorball?”
Bruce smiled. “We do have another group, but it’s not a sports team. We get together once each week and study scriptures from the Bible.”
Dinara looked back at her friends, who nodded their heads in support. Turning back to Bruce, Dinara grinned. “Can my friends and I join those meetings?”
One week later, Dinara and her friends attended the youth group hosted by Bruce and the other coaches. As they entered, the welcoming atmosphere immediately stood out to them. The youth in attendance were just like the coaches. They weren’t cursing or smoking. They welcomed them kindly and didn’t make them feel out of place. Why were these people so different?
“I don’t know what it is about these people,” Dinara whispered to her friends. “But I like it.”
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” Matthew 5:16
At that initial meeting, Dinara and her friends heard the gospel for the very first time. They listened intently as Bruce spoke of a God who loved them and offered forgiveness for their sins, a God who offered salvation through Jesus Christ.
The girls left the meeting feeling deeply touched but overwhelmed by all this new information. They decided to think about what they’d heard and return next week to learn more.
Throughout the week, the gospel message stuck with each girl. As they went about their daily lives–eating breakfast in the morning, walking to school, doing chores, and going to sleep at night, each girl could not stop thinking about what she’d heard at the youth group. By the time the next meeting arrived, the girls were eager to learn more.
At that second youth group meeting, the gospel deeply touched their hearts. All five girls decided to accept Jesus as their Savior. The message of love and redemption had completely changed their lives.
“It’s a ripe, ripe harvest in Central Asia,” Alani said, reflecting on God’s saving work in the lives of both Nazira and Dinara. “Pray that these new believers will be discipled in their walk with the Lord, and pray for more workers.”
“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” Colossians 3:17
These testimonies of faith are just a glimpse of the many ways God is at work in Central Asia through SIM USA missionaries. Jesus is working and making Himself known through church services, the kindness of global workers, community gatherings, and even floorball!
Are you interested in serving God in Central Asia? Click here to connect with a SIM USA missions coach and learn more!
Names have been changed for the privacy and safety of our workers, ministry partners, and those we serve.