"Come as You Are" in Central Asia

"I thought when I came to church, I would see grandmas holding candles. Instead, I saw anime girls.”

This was a favorite quote said by a first-time visitor to a new Church plant in Central Asia. SEND long-term missionaries in this region are rejoicing at the plethora of new visitors coming to the church. Their story is just a small glimpse of the grand work God is doing in this region.

Small Beginnings

In October 2025, we joined together with a small team of believers here in Central Asia to start a new church plant. What started as a simple discussion group for young adults soon grew into a weekly Bible study. Over the past few weeks, we have begun inviting these young people to the Sunday service.

New Interest in the Church

We have been amazed and encouraged by the people God is bringing through the doors. Many are young men and women in their twenties who are searching for meaning, genuine relationships, and truth. They come just as they are, sometimes wearing questionable attire (including t-shirts with profanity) or stepping out to take a smoke break. Many have never been inside a church before, yet they quickly see that this is a place where they are loved and can learn about the One who created them.

One Sunday, thirty new people came who are not yet believers, in addition to our core group of Christians. Several of the guys from our weekly Bible study decided to come and brought their entire families with them! Another family stayed long after the service ended because their 13-year-old daughter was having such a good time that she begged them not to leave.

God's Mighty Hand at Work

There is no explanation for this except that God is at work. We are reminded again that we are fully dependent on Him, and that prayer is essential. May the Lord continue drawing all of us closer to Himself!

Interested in supporting more work like this in unreached places?