Nation to Pray For

Azerbaijan-
Status: Restricted Nation

Azerbajian has been dominated by its neighbors for centuries. Subject to the USSR during most of the 20th century, Azerbajian broke away from the Soviet bloc in 1991. The Christian population is almost entirely Armenian and Russian, and many fled the country following the massacre of their people in 1989. While Azerbaijan officially guarantees religious freedom, the nationalists are becoming more Islamic and anti-Christian.

Christians make up 2.67 percent of Azerbaijan's people. Armenian churches have been closed and few of the Christians left in Azerbaijan would feel secure enough to attend if they reopened. Police raided one of the nation's largest churches in September, 1999, and interrogated church leaders and foreigners in attendance.

Christian literature can be printed only with government permission, which is never given. There are currently only about 10 items of Christian literature available in the Azeri language. 
                                     - dc Talk from their book Jesus Freaks: Martyrs; Stories of those who stood for Jesus: the ultimate Jesus Freaks

Prayer Requests:

• That the Lord would light a fire in the Azerbaijan churches and that many would come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior.
• That more Christian literature would be permitted to be printed to aid those in the country
• That the people of Azerbaijan would be brave and strong in the Lord, and not fall away because of fear.

Thank you for your prayers for these people. We in the United States have a huge priviledge to worship the Lord and study the Bible. Don't forget those who are hurting.
Thank you
and God bless the Azerbaijan people.
K. A. Silver