Day 21 - Muslims in Moscow
We must work the works of him who sent us while it is day; the night is coming, when no one can work.' (John 9:4, ESV)
Russia is known for it's rich history, the perseverance of its people through hardships and its architectural masterpieces. Solemn paintings of icons, vast steppes, snowy forests or cups of steaming tea and rosy borsch soup may come to mind when you think of Russia. Yet the face of Russia is rapidly changing. Moscow, Russia's capital, has the largest Muslim population of any European city. Estimates range from about 400,000 Muslims to 2-3 million (with hundreds of thousands being illegal).
Many of Moscow's Muslims come from the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Tajiks, Uzbeks, Afghans, Kazakhs, Tatars and many others have come looking for work of any kind. They often live together in cramped quarters and squalid conditions, saving as much as they can to send home to their families. They face beating and murder, and many are modern-day slaves to fearful, resentful and rough employers. Life in Moscow is not easy but it is often better than the bleak prospects back home.
Being away from their home country, familiar traditions, and family and cultural pressure presents new temptations for Central Asian Muslims but also a new openness to hear the truth of God's Word. 'I used to hate Russia and didn't want doc one back,' said a Muslim-background believer (MBB). After seeing the potential for reaching Muslims from his home country, he became excited about the potential for ministry. 'How I feel like Russia is my second homeland,' he says.
Although the Jesus film, Mary Magdalene DVD and CARS Bible (Central-Asia Russian Scriptures) are well received, there are only small numbers of believers specifically reaching out to Muslims. Since Muslims in Moscow are often immigrants, they are overwhelmed with life in such a big city, lonesome for family, and seeking friendship. It is a good moment to proclaim the Gospel to them.
Prayer Ideas:
Russia is known for it's rich history, the perseverance of its people through hardships and its architectural masterpieces. Solemn paintings of icons, vast steppes, snowy forests or cups of steaming tea and rosy borsch soup may come to mind when you think of Russia. Yet the face of Russia is rapidly changing. Moscow, Russia's capital, has the largest Muslim population of any European city. Estimates range from about 400,000 Muslims to 2-3 million (with hundreds of thousands being illegal).
Many of Moscow's Muslims come from the former Soviet republics of Central Asia. Tajiks, Uzbeks, Afghans, Kazakhs, Tatars and many others have come looking for work of any kind. They often live together in cramped quarters and squalid conditions, saving as much as they can to send home to their families. They face beating and murder, and many are modern-day slaves to fearful, resentful and rough employers. Life in Moscow is not easy but it is often better than the bleak prospects back home.
Being away from their home country, familiar traditions, and family and cultural pressure presents new temptations for Central Asian Muslims but also a new openness to hear the truth of God's Word. 'I used to hate Russia and didn't want doc one back,' said a Muslim-background believer (MBB). After seeing the potential for reaching Muslims from his home country, he became excited about the potential for ministry. 'How I feel like Russia is my second homeland,' he says.
Although the Jesus film, Mary Magdalene DVD and CARS Bible (Central-Asia Russian Scriptures) are well received, there are only small numbers of believers specifically reaching out to Muslims. Since Muslims in Moscow are often immigrants, they are overwhelmed with life in such a big city, lonesome for family, and seeking friendship. It is a good moment to proclaim the Gospel to them.
Prayer Ideas:
- Ask God to open the hearts of Muslims in Russia.
- Pray for the translation and printing of quality Christian literature for Russian-speaking Muslims and new believers learning to walk with the Messiah.
- Pray for unity, vision and wisdom for leaders throughout Russia to take the Gospel to Muslims in Russia - making disciples of them in such a way that they are encouraged, enabled and equipped to do the same.
- Pray for concrete, practical steps by Russian churches to reach out to Muslims around them. Pray of the discipleship of young believers. There are a few congregations for those coming to the Messiah.
- All text from 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World
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