Pray for Uzbekistan in Time of Political Leadership Change.

After the death of Uzbekistan’s president, Islam Karimov, in early September, he was buried in the historic cemetery located in Samarkand, Uzbekistan. He had been president for 25 years and his death left the country wondering who and what was next in leadership.

Uzbekistan’s Prime Minister, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, was rumoured to be the late president’s successor, and on September 8th, he stepped into the role of President Interim.

The Central Election Commission of the Republic of Uzbekistan has now reported that Mirziyoyev was nominated as a candidate for the presidency on Friday, September 16th, 2016.

According to a report by the chairman of the Central Election Commission (CEC) of Uzbekistan, “Early presidential elections in Uzbekistan will be held on December 4th.”

Christians in Uzbekistan face a great deal of persecution, with Christians facing raids, fines, arrests and threats every day. Some Muslim families go as far as placing Christian family members under house arrest, until they renounce Christ. Local believers in Uzbekistan say that the President Interim is a supporter of Christian persecution.

• Pray for Uzbekistan at this time of political uncertainty and change.
• Pray that whoever takes the presidential role will consider the persecution of Christians a pressing issue, and seek to bring freedom for Christians to meet and worship together, and live out their faith without fear.
• Pray for Uzbek Christians in prison for their faith. Pray that they will know the comfort and peace of the Holy Spirit around them and stand firm in their faith.
• Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit over this nation, to turn many hearts to the Truth of the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to bring transformation to communities and families across Uzbekistan.

1 Timothy 2 vs 1 – 4: “I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people – for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Saviour, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”

Source: https://www.opendoorsusa.org/christian-persecution/stories