Notes from the Field

Editor’s Note: These notes are from the journal of one of Access Partner’s staff about a trip to Central Asia.  Details have been modified, but the stories of God’s work are true.  We hope you’re encouraged.

Day 1 –
Last night, we attended a small church which met on a busy commercial street.  I later learned that many other churches meet at this location throughout the week.  During the service, I didn’t understand a single word that was said, but I recognized the music and the joy in the room.  God is doing much in this part of the world, and there is much work for us to do, too.  Churches like these encourage those working in the field, who can often feel weary from the threat of persecution and from carrying the burden of the lost on their hearts.  When we adjourned there was excitement to meet again.

I attended a weekly prayer meeting later in the week. The people sitting around the table were precious.  One man told me that he and his pastor had been sentenced to over 7 years in prison because of their faith and the work they did to disciple believers.  Praise God that he was able to serve less than 1 year of the sentence.  No doubt a shorter sentence was good news, but it was obvious the experience had affected him deeply. He was wary even as he shared his story with fellow believers, fearful that if he was caught in his new home doing similar work, he would be deported for his faith.  If he were to be caught and sent back to his home country, the punishment there would be severe.

Another man shared that he had recently lost his cell phone.  He was clearly upset.  When I asked if he was upset because of the inconvenience or the potential risk, he responded, “both.”  The loss potentially exposed many of his church contacts to harm.  I noticed the familiar look of great burden, but also the abounding joy that comes from faith.

Day 3 –
I was blessed to be with friends today.  After sharing dinner out, one friend said it was likely that we were the only two Christians there that night.  Considering we were at a rather large shopping center, this was a sobering statement.  Spiritual poverty is a heartbreaking reality here, and the look on the faces of the local people evidences the spiritual void.

Day 7 –
Access Partners’ work here is encouraging.  The business I visited has been a wonderful blessing to church planters here, giving them access to people they would never otherwise meet and allowing them to build a loving if small community within the company.  It’s an excellent example of how a Business-as-Mission company can be a shining light in the midst of darkness.

While en route to the airport to travel to another part of Central Asia, I found myself talking with a taxi driver who spoke basic conversational English.  In God’s kindness, our conversation turned to the gospel, and I am hopeful that our brief conversation will help him see there is something more for him when he places his trust in our Savior.

Day 8 –
Today I had the privilege of attending a small fellowship group that meets at the top of a building in a working class neighborhood.  It was evident to me that the Holy Spirit was among us.  I couldn’t keep back tears as I watched the faces and listened to the worship songs.  Whenever I’m in these situations I cannot help but weep with joy and sorrow – joy for those who have been found, and sorrow for those who have not.  I’m reminded that the battle for the lost of this world is real.  It’s amazing how God, who doesn’t need us to accomplish his purpose, allows us to join him in His work.  Observing this is a privilege.

One of the people attending the gathering was a former Central Asian mafia man who is instrumental in helping to lead this fellowship.  He realized one day in the middle of a gunfight that he couldn’t go on as he was. “There must be more to life,” he remembers thinking.  This realization set him on a path of discovery and he found salvation and forgiveness.  Today, I watched the transformed man sing hymns to God, unable to contain his own smile.  His heart was obviously filled with joy.

Another man with his teenager son was there, deported from their home country because of their faith.  I was affected by seeing two generations present at this church, the older leading the younger by sharing the truth with him.

A mother with her three daughters also attended.  They have been unemployed and have endured unspeakable tragedies in their home country.  They worshiped near me and their heartfelt praise was beautiful to hear.  They are new believers, but have already seen God’s faithfulness in their lives.  They know his goodness and how he answers prayers.

Although they have very little – some church members are unemployed – the group tithes on what they earn, and recently collected enough to pay one month’s rent in advance so they could keep praising God together.

Day 9 –
I learned today that a believer was once arrested in the very building I where I worshiped on Sunday.  The man was working on Bible correspondence, and was taken from his home late one evening.  Once in jail, he began evangelizing those in prison with him.  He had his wife bring him Christian materials, telling her, “there is much work to be done here.” The authorities caught on and placed him in isolation shortly after.  He was released after some days in prison.

Day 15 –
We went to church today and had the privilege of seeing new Christians baptized.  There were many people in attendance, and the excitement level was high.  Those being baptized were tearfully joyful as they were baptized in a large tub filled with water.  I learned that baptisms are not common in Central Asia.  In fact, some veteran church planters told me that they had only seen two other baptisms in nine years of service.  I was blessed to have been present for this event.

Day 20 –
I travel home today.  I’m grateful I was able to take notes about my time here, otherwise I might forget the wonderful things I’ve learned and the kindness of the teams I’ve met.  I do not want to forget the lost, the hopeless looks, and the absence of joy that comes from not knowing what Christ has done for us.  This trip has reminded me how truly blessed I am to live where I have such freedom, but also that I’m not boldly using my freedom to share the Gospel, even with those in my neighborhood.  These church planters are an example to be emulated.