KAZAKHSTAN UPDATE: Pastor Bakhytzhan Kashkumbaev

Date of Bulletin: 12 March 2014

 

 

Kazakhstan

Bakhytzhan Kashkumbaev, the retired pastor of Grace Church in Astana, Kazakhstan, was released on Feb. 17 after spending nine months in jail awaiting trial on a charge of "intentionally inflicting serious harm to health." He was convicted of the charge and received a four-year suspended sentence after the family of a church member accused him of putting drugs in the Communion drink. The court ordered Kashkumbaev to pay his alleged victim large "moral damages" as well as all court expenses, experts' fees and lawyers' fees (around $20,000).

"In my experience as a lawyer, this is one of the strangest cases I have seen in terms of legality," said Nurlan  Beysekeyev, Pastor Kashkumbaev's lawyer. "It was not just strange, but from the standpoint of the law all types of violations occurred, when the case was opened, when it was being investigated and during the trial."

Kashkumbaev plans to appeal the conviction.

Forum 18 News Service, VOM Sources

Please Pray!

• Thank God for Pastor Kashkumbaev's release. 
• Pray that the truth will prevail and he will be absolved of any  wrongdoing.
• Pray that he and his family will continue to stand firm and grow stronger in faith through the turmoil.

"Surely He shall deliver you from the snare of the fowler and from the perilous pestilence. He shall cover you with His feathers, and under His wings you shall take refuge. His truth shall be your shield and buckler."

Psalm 91:3-6

To learn more about the challenges facing Christians in Kazakhstan, visit the VOM Restricted Nations map.

KAZAKHSTAN: Pastor Arrested After Praying for Sick

Date of Bulletin: 18 September 2013

Kazakhstan Flag

Persecution has been steadily increasing in Kazakhstan since the introduction of a harsh religion law in 2011. The recent arrest of a pastor continues that trend.

According to both ASSIST News and Forum 18 News, 67-year-old Pastor Bakhytzhan Kashkumbayev has been detained in a psychiatric center after praying for the sick. The pastor has been charged with "harming health," and authorities hope to have him declared insane. This recent arrest, combined with pending changes to Kazakhstan's criminal code that increase punishment for missionary activity, reflects the government's tightening control over religious rights.

Forum 18 News reports that a law proposed in March would allow authorities to imprison those who share their faith for up to four months. If passed, the law will be the first to rule faith-based actions a criminal offense since Kazakhstan gained independence in 1991.

Source: Mission Network News

Please Pray!

Pray that charges against Pastor Kashkumbayev will be dropped and he will be released. Pray for his family, who have not been allowed to see him since his arrest in May. Pray that they will all remain firm in the Lord and not lose hope. Pray that the proposed law allowing religious leaders to be imprisoned does not pass.

"The fear of man brings a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord shall be safe." Prov. 29:25

To learn more about the challenges facing Christians in Kazakhstan, visit the VOM Restricted Nations map.