Four churches in Tajikistan have been fined for their participation in a Bible translation project.
Between August 2019 and January 2020, the committee for religious affairs fined church leaders the equivalent of between $1,100 and $1,800. An average monthly salary in Tajikistan is the equivalent of about $250. “They were fined for arranging a translation of the Bible into modern language,” a local Christian said.
Older translations include archaic words and some unclear passages. Officials pressure churches with fines and other punishment because they don’t want Tajik churches, which are viewed as foreign elements, in the country. “They want to make us weary and stop,” the Christian said.
Source: The Voice of the Martyrs USA
- Pray for those who were fined; pray the Lord will make a way to allow their work to continue unhindered.
- Commit to the Lord all believers in Tajikistan who have grown weary under the relentless oppression. Pray for courage and faithfulness.
- Thank the Lord that in spite of man’s opposition, His Word continues to go forth.
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Psalm 119:46-47 reads, “I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments, which I love.” Father in heaven, we praise and thank you for your written word and that you have spoken to us in these last days through your Son. We thank you for the faith and efforts of Tajik believers in seeking to make your word more readily accessible in modern language and pray that their work might continue unhindered. We thank you for their obvious delight and love of your word. We commit to you, gracious Father all Tajik believers who have grown weary and tired because of relentless opposition. We ask that every act prompted by their faith and every good purpose of theirs might be fulfilled by your mighty power and to the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ. (2 Thessalonians 1:11-12) We ask that your word would continue to grow and spread and that your people might rejoice in the Lord! (Acts)