Violence in Kyrgyzstan

Maxim Bakiev, the son of the former president, was one of those who was allegedly recorded. In a conversation advising a family member on how their power could be forcibly restored, the voice said the following: “We just need 500 low-lives who could [expletive meaning to make trouble] … and claim power. They just have to call themselves the interim government and say they already signed some decrees for peace and stuff.”

As a result of these recordings, as well as the circulation of other information and rumors, the entire country was expecting some kind of terrible event to occur on May 17th, the day following a period of forty days of mourning for those who died during the revolution.

Several days before the 17th, a former special forces officer told me, “if nothing is done then there is a 100% chance of civil war.” In order to prevent anything from happening on that day, the new government made multiple arrests of those within the country who were planning these violent acts against citizens.

Thankfully, May 17th came and went peacefully. Even though multiple arrests were made, tensions remain high. On Wednesday, another two people were killed and 62 wounded in the south.

In spite of the present security issues as well as the economic and political instability, it seems that decisions are being made to contain the ongoing violence so as to prevent civil war. Please continue to pray for the situation here and that the Lord would give wisdom to those in positions of leadership.

Also pray for the new government that is being formed, as I have heard that there are now Christians in positions of influence — something remarkable for a country that is 80% Muslim.

The Effect on the Church

Of course the present situation has had an effect upon the churches here. Since the revolution, members of our church in the capital city of Bishkek have been having prayer meetings every morning at 7:30. It has been amazing to see these people pouring out their hearts to God for their country, their leaders, for revival, and for unity in our body and among the churches.

Although multitudes of people are attempting to leave the country out of fear and instability, the majority of the people in the church seem to view this as an opportunity for ministry rather than as a reason to flee the country or hide out in their homes. Please pray for a spiritual awakening in Kyrgyzstan.

Jed Gourley is a missionary who has been working in Kyrgyzstan for the past four years. Before moving to Kyrgyzstan he was a missionary in Ukraine, originally moving there in 1992. Jed is married and has four children.