Pray for the nation and peoples of Azerbaijan ...
Azerbaijan, a former republic of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics (USSR), gained its independence in 1991. After independence, the country faced internal coups and war with Armenia. The majority of the population lives in poverty, and most of Azerbaijan's towns and villages have never heard the gospel.
Azerbaijan is 85.63% Muslim, 4.63% Christian. The primary ideology is Islam/Communism. The Head of State is President Ilham Aliyev.
Azerbaijan's government continues to limit religious freedom. The government and state-controlled media encourage people to return to Islam, their "ancestral faith." In May 2009, a new law took effect requiring all religious organizations to re-register with the government by Jan. 1, 2010. Unregistered religious organizations are viewed as illegal and are not allowed to operate until registered. On March 25, 2009, officials raided a home in Agdash, Azerbaijan, where 12 children had gathered to listen to Bible stories. The children were questioned and their names recorded before they were released to their parents. The police also confiscated 508 books and 40 films from the house. In the capital city of Baku, three believers were fined for "illegally spreading Christianity and other faiths."
Christian persecution exists in more than 40 restricted nations today, where Christians are persecuted for their faith. Please pray for these nations and peoples, including the country of Azerbaijan.
(Persecuted Church Global Report 2010 by The Voice of the Martyrs)
Persecution.com Restricted Nations
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