The Gospel at Risk: Church Planters in Central Asia
Names, locations, and images have been changed to protect the identity of individuals in sensitive regions.
In Central Asia, choosing to follow Jesus can cost everything. But even under pressure, believers continue to plant seeds of hope—trusting that God is at work in unseen ways.
A Region Still Waiting
The nations of Central Asia are known for their rugged mountains, ancient cities, and warm hospitality. But spiritually, many areas remain deeply unreached. In some regions, less than 1% of the population identifies as evangelical. Dozens of people groups still live without access to the Gospel. Whole communities have never heard the name of Jesus.
And yet—even in the midst of resistance—God is moving. A growing network of local believers is carrying the light of Christ into these places. Quietly and courageously, they are sharing their faith, discipling others, and planting new expressions of the Church in homes, parks, and hospital rooms.
“Whenever I spoke about God, all fear disappeared. In those moments, it was clear God was speaking through me.”
When Faith Leads to Risk
Last year, a group of young believers gathered in a home for prayer and discipleship. It was a small, peaceful gathering—but it caught the attention of national authorities. Four of them were detained, questioned, and fined. They were restricted from travel and placed under ongoing surveillance.
One of the young leaders shared that it felt like her life had stopped. The uncertainty was heavy. And yet, in the midst of a courtroom hearing, something changed.
“In the courtroom, when I spoke about the Lord, all fear disappeared. It was like God was speaking through me.”
Eventually, a higher court dismissed the case. But the experience left its mark. These are not isolated events—they reflect the quiet, daily pressure many believers live under. And still, they press on.
One Life at a Time
In a crowded city park, one of our partners noticed a man who seemed deeply troubled—pacing, smoking, and visibly burdened. Feeling the Spirit’s nudge, she approached him and gently offered prayer. As she began to pray, he broke down in tears.
Later, the man told her he had asked God to end his life. That conversation, that simple moment of compassion, became a turning point. He prayed, repented, and began a new journey of faith.
In another city, a woman battling late-stage cancer listened to the Gospel for the first time. As others prayed over her, she suddenly cried out, “I believe!” Days before her passing, she received a Bible and embraced Christ.
A Church That Multiplies Quietly
These stories aren’t unfolding in stadiums or public revivals. They’re happening in living rooms, hospital wards, and one-on-one conversations in cafés and parks. And through it all, a network of 23 local church planters is faithfully leading the way.
Compel International walks alongside them—offering support, mentorship, and sustainable strategies for long-term ministry. Through microenterprise training and seed funding, these leaders are starting businesses that help support their families and open new doors for Gospel conversations.
“Even if they send me away, I will speak plainly.”
Hope in Hard Places
This is quiet work. Often unseen. Always brave. And it’s bearing fruit. One by one, lives are being transformed. As Isaiah 55:11 reminds us, God’s Word “will not return to me empty, but will accomplish what I desire and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.”
Even in the hardest-to-reach corners of the world, Christ is building His Church—through everyday believers who are choosing faith over fear.