Faith Works Wonders

The car we're sitting in has neither seat belts nor shocks. But this old Chevrolet is part of the history of the church in Tashkent that we support as ACP: Until five years ago, it served as a mobile meeting place. Back then, Christians in this country were not allowed to hold worship services. Anyone who dared to do so anyway had to face severe consequences. Believers, therefore, drove around the area in various vehicles, holding Bible studies along the way.

Vanished into thin air

One of the pastors wasn't careful enough—and he got caught.

The authorities charged him with conducting unauthorized worship services. The preacher had to appear in court for his Christian activities and was fined. As feared, the fine was set at an amount no ordinary citizen could afford. But the pastor had a weapon: prayer. And indeed—for no apparent reason, he was never again confronted with the demand for payment.

No Need for a Funeral

Today, the congregation in Tashkent can meet undisturbed in a meeting room. Furnished with folding chairs and a low wooden platform, it is simply decorated. The story of the elderly hostess is moving. Once, on her secluded farm, more than 200 families came to faith in Jesus Christ. When an elderly woman passed away, she was not allowed to be buried in the cemetery because of her affiliation with a faith that was still forbidden at the time. So the bereaved family prayed and wondered, “Where should we lay her to rest?” God answered this question in His own way—and raised the deceased back to life.