Tashkent - Uzbekistan

A testimony... (names and location have been left out)

Last week one of our brothers, went to be with the Lord. He was a minister in a small village.

Previously, as an unbeliever, he has been convicted 5 times for robbery and served 18 years in prison.

Finally, he heard the gospel and accepted Christ. 4 years ago he was released, and began to boldly testify to the love of our Father!

Many of those who heard the message of salvation accepted Jesus.

A Mullah came to him with some elders to convince him not to believe in Christ, but when he told them about his life, and why the Bible has changed him, no one could object a word.

A few days later relatives came to the brother of the deceased person and asked for forgiveness.

Uzbek people were praising God and singing hymns. Bible verses were read.

For the villagers and non-believers this was a great testimony of God's love.

Once local authorities summoned all the people in one of the city halls, and began to blackmailing believing Christians.

Our brother sitting in the hall could not be kept silent. He raised his hand and stood up.

When asked who he was, he replied that he was one of those believers, whom they mock!

He acted very bravely in defense of the Gospel! A year later, the Lord blessed him with a daughter!

Five months ago he fell ill. And last week he died! His fellow villagers refused to participate in the funeral procession.

At the cemetery we were given a place at the very end... There was some tension. People from the police, the KGB, local authorities came to the funeral.

All gathered together, and according to custom stood in rows, there were about 50-60 believers.

One of the brothers was reading "Our Father in Heaven..." in the Arabic language.

We prayed together and took the body to the cemetery. I was surprised when I saw how many people went to the cemetery, the whole street was full.

When we started the procession even more people came and joined us. The funeral took place according to customs of local people.

A few days later relatives came to the brother of the deceased person and asked for forgiveness.

"We did not understand you, Mullahs gave us wrong information about you, forgive us", they said. "You are good people. There is nothing wrong in your faith, and customs..."

It was the first "Uzbek-Christian" funeral, that went so quietly and smoothly! Thank God!

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