Prayer Fuel
Batken Region
Map Credit: World Atlas
Batken is the most remote and poorest of Kyrgyzstan’s seven oblasts. It was born out of conflict in October 1999 and still awaits the economic benefits that some other parts of the country have received. Far removed from the capital and other large population centers, the oblast’s 500,000 citizens are three-fourths Kyrgyz and most of the rest Uzbek (15%) and Tajik (7%). These three distinct, ancient cultures sometimes blend harmoniously and sometimes clash. It is a land of struggle amidst spectacular natural beauty, faded industrial might, sometimes inter-ethnic tensions and warmhearted people.
During Soviet times, Batken was a major mining and industrial region. After independence in 1991, all these operations either reduced production by 90-95% or closed completely. As industries shut down, many of the managers, engineers and other specialists associated with them, usually ethnic Russians and Tatars, departed Kyrgyzstan for Russia and other countries. As jobs disappeared, workers also left in the hopes of earning a living elsewhere.
Although the glacier-capped mountains are breathtaking, less than 5% of the land is available to grow food crops. Consequently, disputes over land use and distribution are frequent and heated. Access to water is another pressing issue. Despite large reservoirs of fresh water in glaciers, lakes and rivers, much of the population still lacks access to drinking water.
Batken has been the last oblast within the borders of Kyrgyzstan to have a church. Just as the oblast is rarely on the radar of political government, it has lacked the focused attention of the local churches and workers because of its remoteness. There are a few known churches formally meeting and a number of “house churches”.
[From an article provided By J. D.]
Photo Credit: www.visitkyrgyz.com
Exalting His Name
Using this scripture, you can spend some time worshipping God and praying that who He is will be revealed in Batken.
For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, and also with him who is of a contrite and lowly spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly, and to revive the heart of the contrite. (Isaiah 57:15, ESV)
Praying for the Harvest
And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith. (Acts 6:7, ESV)
Lord, let your word go forth in Batken in many, many ways today and may the number of disciples greatly increase, with a great many, including religious leaders, becoming obedient to the faith.
Praying for the Church
Brothers and sisters, think of what you were when you were called. Not many of you were wise by human standards; not many were influential; not many were of noble birth. But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are, so that no one may boast before him. (1 Corinthians 1:26-29, ESV)
Pray for God to raise up a vibrant church from this underestimated region that will bless the rest of Kyrgyzstan, as well as neighboring Uzbekistan and Tajikistan, with the riches of the gospel.
Worshiping and Waiting
This time can be an opportunity to simply sit still, turn on a worship song and ask the Lord if there’s anything else he’d like you to pray for today for Batken. You can note anything that comes to you or just enjoy being with the Lord.
Closing Prayer
God who revives, you see the people of Batken, and the ways in which they have lost hope, resources and peace over the years. Thank you that though you inhabit eternity itself, your Spirit doesn’t draw back from working in the most dejected hearts in Batken. Please revive hearts today to new life in Christ, restore hope through your love and kingdom purposes, cause your church to grow and thrive and send out witnesses from Batken to the rest of the country and region.
Praying by Name
Today you might ask God for those three people you are praying for to encounter Him as the God who revives the heart of the lowly and the spirit of the contrite. Perhaps they have a need for inner healing that could be an opportunity for them to have an encounter with God’s love, truth or power. If you sense this may be the case, you might ask God for an opportunity for them to pray about their pain with a believer.
Unreached People Group of the Day (Visit Joshua Project for more info on Hui in Kyrgyzstan)
Father, please send out laborers, open hearts and begin a movement to Christ among the Hui in Kyrgyzstan.
