Restored for a Purpose: From Pain to Calling in Central Asia
In a region where faith often comes at a cost, three women experienced God’s power not only to restore their lives but also to reawaken a sense of calling. Through persecution, loss, and even physical trauma, the Lord met each of them personally—leading them into deeper intimacy and renewed purpose.
Faith on Trial: Ainura’s Story
Ainura leads a youth ministry in Central Asia. But in September 2024, that calling collided with fear and uncertainty.
One evening during a youth gathering, she and several others were arrested—not by local police, but by national security officers tasked with monitoring religious activity. Fined and banned from leaving their city, the team faced months of legal battles.
“We lost our case in the district court,” she recalled, “but we didn’t give up.” They filed again—this time in the city court—and eventually the charges were dismissed. But the toll had already been felt.
Emotionally and spiritually, she was drained. “There were moments I wanted to quit,” she said. “It felt like I had stopped growing.” Still, God met her—especially in the courtroom. “Every time I spoke about Him, the fear left. I knew He was speaking through me.”
At the start of 2025, Ainura stepped back for a short sabbatical. “I told the Lord, ‘I don’t know how You’ll do it, but I need change. I need to leave home each month. I need renewal.’”
That prayer set in motion a year of transformation. In February, she was invited to a training in a nearby city focused on leadership and business planning. In May, she returned for spiritual renewal and fresh revelation about the Kingdom of God. By July, she was surrounded by brothers and sisters, resting in the Lord’s presence, studying Scripture, and praying together.
“I’m ending this year full of gratitude,” she said. “Every month, I went somewhere. But more than that, my heart was renewed.”
“My biggest desire is for young people to encounter God—and for us to become salt and light on this earth.”
A Vision for the Forgotten: Darya’s Story
For Darya, the journey of restoration began with a forced exit. Under threat, she left her church—a decision that led to a year and a half of spiritual silence.
“It felt like a heavy blow,” she said. “I drifted away from God.”
Eventually, she joined a new fellowship where she began to heal. “There’s no persecution here,” she said, “but I’ve also changed. I’m learning to hear from God myself—to make decisions with faith and responsibility.”
That personal renewal began to stir a fresh vision in her: to serve young women from Muslim and traditional backgrounds, especially those facing rejection or confusion because of their faith.
She began exploring higher education opportunities and considered studying sociology and psychology at a major university. But admission is extremely competitive—especially for international students. A mentor suggested a new path: start with theological studies, then transfer later. She’s now prayerfully pursuing that option.
Her dream? To create safe spaces for women to process their struggles and grow in faith—spaces where they can meet, talk, receive support, and be discipled.
“My desire is not just to gain an education for myself, but to become a source of God’s Word for others.”
Walking Again—Inside and Out: Gulmira’s Story
Before the accident, Gulmira was in depression.
“Disappointments had piled up,” she said. “I prayed, but I lacked patience. If I didn’t hear from God after asking three times, I’d just give up.”
She longed for control. She made her own plans. But when an accident brought everything to a stop, she began to realize how little control she truly had—and how near God had been all along.
During recovery, she struggled with fear. Would walking again be painful? Would it even happen? But God began to speak to her in dreams. “One night I saw myself standing up and washing on my own,” she said. “Later, I had another dream—this time, I left my crutches behind and walked freely.”
That very day, she walked without crutches for the first time.
“God always brings His word to completion,” she said. “He has a strategic plan. According to that plan, He left me here, because my life matters to Him.
Now fully recovered—with no surgery—she lives each day with purpose.
“With God, time is never wasted. His plans are better than ours—and I want to walk in them.”