In this Episode:

• Bruce became interested in Central Asia when his church prayed through Joshua Project after participating in the Perspectives Course.
• Related Episode:051: Unreached People Groups: The Facts
• Related Episode: 014: What is the Perspectives Course?
• Related Episode: 007: What is the Kairos Course?
• Calvary Church has been involved in missions in Central Asia for over 25 years.

• Central Asia consists primarily of the “stan” countries of the former Soviet Union.
• The region was divided up by Stalin in order to cause division among people groups. This resulted in ethnic tensions that still exist today.
• There is low awareness of Central Asia in the missions world.
• There is a rich history in the region. Ancient trade routes travelled through the region.
• The borders of Central Asia are China to the east, Afghanistan to the south, Iran to the southwest, Turkey to the far west, and Russia to the north.
• There are over 200 people groups in the region.
• There are many unengaged people groups in the region.
• There has been an incredible response to the gospel in some parts of Central Asia.

• Three areas of gospel advancement are media, business, and discipleship.
• There are short-term opportunities for North American professionals in business, addressing trafficking issues, education, and health work.

• The best way to pray for Central Asia is to become educated. Tools like Joshua Project and Prayercast can be helpful in learning about the region.
• Pray for believers who are persecuted.
• Pray that the national church would be bold and strong, and that the North American church would know how to best support the local church.

• The church in North America can participate in short-term opportunities in a wise way.
• There is a need for mentorship and encouragement for church leaders (1 Corinthians 4:15).
• Another way to participate is by pursuing partnership with other organizations that are working in the region. Write to Bruce for information about these groups.

• Caution is needed when engaging in missions in Central Asia. Count the cost of ministry. There are fringe radical Islamic groups that target believers.

• To get started engaging in this part of the world contact Bruce. There is a major gathering each year of groups working in the region.
• Collaboration is essential in reaching Central Asia. There are collaborative meetings taking place that focus on the unreached in various parts of the world.
• Do not leave the unreached unattended. Commit to learning and partnership and engagement.
• Contact Bruce at bruce@calvarygr.org

Resources:

• Global Heart Ministries
• North American Central Asian Forum
• Three Cups of Tea – Greg Mortenson and David Oliver Relin
• Five Minutes to Midnight – Andrew Sieberhagen