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“In the years immediately following the Soviet breakup, “Early Wednesday morning, we were grieved to learn of severe political violence that has broken out in the former Soviet republic of Kyrgyzstan in Central Asia. “The capital of Bishkek and several other cities have also seen violent episodes, according to media reports. While the information coming in is still fluid, thus far 40 people have been killed and more than 400 injured.” Provost explains that opposition leaders say they have seized power from President Kurmanbek Bakiyev, taking control of security headquarters, a state TV channel and other government buildings after clashes between police and protesters left many dead and injured. “The president has reportedly fled to a southern Kyrgyz city, but it is not clear how much of the country is under opposition control. The new interim government will reportedly be headed up by former foreign minister Rosa Otunbayeva,” Provost said. Provost stated the clashes have been fueled by ongoing economic turmoil and sharp hikes in the price of electricity. “The opposition has also been alleging corruption and increasing authoritarianism on the part of President Bakayev, who has been in power since 2005. “Media reports say thousands of protesters stormed the main government building, set fire to the prosecutor’s office and looted the state TV headquarters.” Provost went on to say that in Russia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin denied reports that the Russian government was involved in any way, and expressed surprise at the turn of events. “Yet he also criticized President Bakayev for the alleged corruption,” said Provost. Provost added that Kyrgyzstan has been central to the U.S. war on terror in Afghanistan as the country hosts a U.S. airbase. “Media reports say the opposition has called for the closure of the U.S. air base in Manas, which is outside the capital of Bishkek,” he said. While SGA is very active and assisting evangelical church ministries in many of the Central Asian republics, Provost said the ministry is not currently working in Kyrgyzstan. Slavic Gospel Association was founded in 1934 by Rev. Peter Deyneka, who in 1914 at the age of 15 had immigrated to the United States from the former Soviet republic of Belarus. A few years later, Rev. Deyneka repented of his sins and trusted in Christ as Savior during a worship service at Chicago’s renowned Moody Memorial Church, which was pastored at the time by Dr. Paul Rader. For many decades, SGA covertly distributed millions of Bibles and Christian books under the Iron Curtain into the hands of believers throughout the Soviet Union, while producing and broadcasting thousands of Christian radio programs over the Iron Curtain. SGA’s website states: “Our mission has grown to become an international ministry with autonomous offices in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, and England. We operate three regional ministry centers in the CIS (Commonwealth of Independent States), which are entirely staffed by nationals, as well as an office staffed by nationals at the headquarters of the Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists of Russia in Moscow. Since 1997, SGA has been privileged to serve as the official representative of the Russian UECB in North America, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.” Provost concluded: “Please join us in praying for our brothers and sisters in Kyrgyzstan, asking the Lord to not only protect the churches, but also to open up many opportunities to proclaim the Gospel, as well as the peace and ultimate reconciliation that can only come through saving faith in Christ. “Pray also for the Lord’s guidance as we prayerfully seek His will about any possible future assistance to churches in Kyrgyzstan,” he said.
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