Pastor Sentenced to Jail

Just four days ago (Oct. 21), Ilmurad Nurliev, a pentecostal pastor was sentenced to four years in jail in the country of Turkmenistan. He was arrested two months ago after being accused of swindling money from several members of the Light to the World Pentecostal Church. The court also said he would be treated for a drug addiction while in prison.

Nurliev's wife and many members of his congregation say these charges were fabricated to punish him for his work with the unregistered church. The church has emphatically stated the innocence of the pastor and that he does not have a drug addiction, but is diabetic.

When praying for this situation, remember that God has allowed this to come to pass. Pray that Ilmurad Nurliev has a long-lasting impact on those he meets in jail. May the Lord have His way in these Christians' lives!

Authorities Threaten Christian in Turkmenistan

Turkmenistan authorities have threatened to seize the property of Shageldy Atakov. In 1999, Shageldy was imprisoned with charges of swindling another person of US $12,000 in a car deal. However, many Christians believe these were false charges aimed at stopping Atakov's Christian activities. While imprisoned in Seydi Labor Camp, he was beaten repeatedly, given inadequate medical care, and forced to take psychotropic drugs when he refused to leave his faith.

Now, ten years later, the authorities are threatening to take his property if he does not pay a large sum of money. They claim he acquired it in an illegal way in 1995.

Pray that any lies about Shageldy Atakov will be exposed and that he will be strengthened by the Lord during this rough time.