TCI continues to expand its mission across Central and West Asia, launching the new academic year with significant growth and exciting developments in several countries. This year marks milestones for both existing programs and new initiatives aimed at training Christian leaders in challenging contexts.
In Uzbekistan, 24 students from Karakalpakstan celebrated their graduation, 11 continued their Master’s studies, and 17 remained in the Bachelor’s program. A new group for training Youth Ministry Leaders was launched with 22 students, reflecting the growing demand for leadership training in this region.
Kyrgyzstan saw the graduation of 21 bachelor’s students, while in Tajikistan, a new cohort of 16 students began the training in Youth Ministry Leader program, a crucial initiative for raising up young Christian leaders in the country.
In Kazakhstan, 14 students graduated from the youth program, marking a successful conclusion to their training.
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to teach a class in Central Asia?
Central Asia is a region where the cost of teaching and spreading the Gospel comes with significant risks. Recently, one of our faculty members embarked on a trip to several parts of Central Asia to teach and participate in the graduation ceremony of one of our branches. This journey was not without its challenges, but it also revealed the deep hunger for theological education and discipleship in places where the Christian faith is under constant threat.
During the trip, our faculty member had the opportunity to visit a region where foreigners have only recently been allowed to enter and where Christians have only just been granted permission to gather for worship. The highlight was the first-ever graduation ceremony in this region, a momentous occasion for the students and the local church community.
Following the ceremony, our staff member was invited to a neighboring village to meet with pastors of underground churches. Due to the sensitive nature of the gathering, the meeting was conducted in complete confidentiality. About 20 pastors gathered in the home of a Christian woman under the guise of a birthday celebration. The plan was to meet, encourage, and discuss the needs of their ministries.
However, about an hour into the meeting, local authorities arrived. Ten police officers, led by the local police chief, stormed the house. They conducted an intense, three-hour search, looking for our faculty member, whom they knew had entered the area. The police had detailed descriptions of his appearance and the vehicle he arrived in but did not know his name or nationality. By God’s grace, our faculty member was well-prepared and had hidden in a secret place, undetected by the authorities.
The local Christians, who have lived under 20 years of persecution, remained calm and well-prepared for this type of situation. Though all the local Christians were written up for violating civil order, they refused to give any information about the foreigner who had been with them. The police eventually left but stationed officers near the house and on the road to monitor any departures.
Our faculty member’s escape was a delicate operation. He had a flight later that evening and needed to leave without being detected. Local Christians drove him through small roads to avoid the police checkpoints. After several vehicle changes and a nerve-wracking journey, he successfully made it to the airport, changed his clothes, and safely boarded his flight.
While we praise God for the safety of our staff and the protection provided during this dangerous encounter, the risks to our ministry in this region are increasing. Over the past year, this branch has been subject to frequent inspections, putting the local churches under constant scrutiny. Heavy fines can be levied against educational institutions like TCI, and churches could face closures or lose their registration.
Despite these challenges, there remains an urgent need for theological training among the local pastors and leaders. Many still lack formal Christian education, and we feel called to continue serving this region. We are exploring alternative teaching options to ensure that we can continue to support these church leaders safely and effectively.
Meanwhile, in Georgia, two new groups were formed: 21 students in the Youth Ministry Leaders training program and a preliminary group of over 20 students in the Sunday School Teachers training program.
A significant new development for TCI is the launch of a branch in Azerbaijan, where around 40! (as opposed to the 15 that we were originally expecting) students attended the first class of the Youth Ministry Leaders training program. With great enthusiasm from local pastors and students, the second class in December will confirm the final number of enrolled students. This marks an exciting new chapter for TCI’s work in West Asia, where pastors are also showing interest in future bachelor’s programs.
Despite our lack of extra funds in the budget, we pushed forward in faith with the pilot program to train these 40 eager church leaders. Students who are hungry to learn as much as we can teach them will attend each of the four classes we plan for them.
The good news is that you can help! This magnitude of opportunity simply cannot be passed up. Today, you can become one of our partners who will commit to a one-year monthly giving to train these church leaders in Azerbaijan.
A gift of $50 a month will help to cover the missing amount to train one student during the next school year. A one-time gift of $600 will help to train one student during the school year. Our goal is to help all 40 students and raise $24,000 for this need!
Our church partners generously cover all administrative costs, allowing 100% of your gift to support this program, which directly encourages and enables Christian leaders from the Majority World for the Kingdom Work.
These Azerbaijan church leaders hope to have all four courses this school year.
Looking Ahead
TCI is planning several new initiatives, including the launch of an online program for pastors in Karakalpakstan, with an expected enrollment of 25-30 students. Additionally, a new program for graduates of the Youth Ministry Leaders Program in Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan is being developed, with the first session planned for early next year, expecting around 20 new students.
Prayer Needs for TCI’s Ministry in Central Asia
As TCI continues its vital work across Central and West Asia, we ask for your prayers for several needs:
Safety of Local Leaders and Coordinators: One of our pastors in Central Asia has been forced to leave the country due to harassment by law enforcement.
In another country, nearly every church is now under state surveillance, with video cameras and microphones installed throughout the church premises. This significantly complicates our ministry, as training sessions and cooperation with churches are now increasingly dangerous. Please pray for our leaders’ safety and protection and wisdom in navigating these difficult circumstances.
Wisdom in Developing the Ministry: The changing realities in Central Asia pose new challenges for TCI’s mission. We seek wisdom and discernment on how to continue growing and developing the ministry while adapting to these new conditions. Your prayers are greatly appreciated as we work to advance our mission despite the obstacles.
I am thankful to everyone who prayerfully and financially supports TCI’s mission. We are reminded that the work we do in regions hostile to the Gospel comes at a great cost, but we also know that God is faithful. Your prayers and partnership are vital to the success of this ministry.