Unreached People Group Project Uzbeks of Central Asia

By Duane M. Saunders Student ID# 22196873

Presented to Dr. David H. Campbell In Partial fulfillment of the requirements of Global Studies Survey GLST 500

Liberty Baptist Theological Seminary Lynchburg, VA July 2012

TABLE OF CONTEXT

ABSTRACT.....2 BACKGROUND.3 PEOPLE...4 LANGUAGE...7 RELIGION...8 A SURVEY OF MISSIONS WORK...9 PROPOSED STRATEGY.11 PERSPECTIVE ONE11 PERSPECTIVE TWO...12 PERSPECTIVE THREE...13

ABSTRACT

The mandate for missions can be identified and traced throughout the Bible, both in the Old Testament and New Testament. The Great Commission provides an easily understood directive by which we as messengers of the gospel should seek to fulfill. If we are truly to reach all nations, it will take a unique group of individuals who are willing to step beyond their self-created confines of comfort, and step boldly into areas that have been untouched by the gospel. One such area is nestled in Central Asia, in the country of Uzbekistan. With a total population of about 15 million, the Uzbeks lineage can be traced well past the times of Genghis Khan during his subjugation of Eastern Europe during the 1300s. Historically, the majority of Uzbeks are a semi-nomadic people consisting of shepherds and farmers. Currently most Uzbeks reside on farms or small towns. With a population consisting of over eighty-percent Muslim, one would be hard pressed to find a Christian in the midst. Recent statistics show that aside from the eighty-five percent Muslim community, fourteen percent is identified as non-religious; leaving just one tenth of a percent of Uzbeks that have been exposed to the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Is it possible to effectively evangelize an unreached people group identified as Uzbeks who have received very little to no exposure to the word of God and Christianity? This paper will seek to provide information useful to any organization that seeks to better understand foreign missions and how one must adequately prepare for such demanding undertaking. Before any mission oriented engagement, proper background

information must be obtained; and a proper survey must be conducted. It is at this juncture that the proposed organization must develop a solid strategy by which to guide their initiative. Although not exhaustive, this paper will serve as a framework to conduct effective ministry and missions in a region that is unfamiliar and to a people who have yet to be reached with the Gospel of Jesus Christ. BACKGROUND Located in Central Asia, the current territory of Uzbekistan has experienced quite a colorful history. From the conquest of Muslim Aribs in the seventh through eigth centuries; to the Timur conquest of the Mongols in the thirteen-hundreds, and the Boleshevik Revolution of 1917. In the beginning of the twentieth century, Central Asia (including Uzbekistan) were under the iron fist and rulership of the Soviet Union. Uzbekistan which stood as the fourth largest Soviet territory and its people the Uzbeks declared independence from the Soviet Union on August 31, 1991.1 Slightly larger that the state of California, Uzbekistan encompasses approximately two hundred and senventy-nine thousand land miles. Natural land boundaries provide Uzbekistan and it citizens several boardering nehibor countries; some of which are Afghanistan, Kazakhstan, Krygyzstan, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan. The terrain of Uzbekistan consists of flat-to-rolling sandy desert, broad, flat, intensely irrigted river valleys that rest along the Amu Darya, and Syr Darya rivers. Uzbekistans topology also consists of

Boikova, E. V.. Kinship in the Altaic world: proceedings of the 48th Permanent International Altaistic Conference, Moscow 10-15 July, 2005. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2006.

semiarid grasslands surrounded by mountains.2 The above information should be taken into consideration as one seeks to better understand the area in which they are being sent.

PEOPLE It should be noted that the Uzbeks inhabbit what is statistically identified as Central Asias most populous country. The majority of which are condensed throughout the southern and eastern regions of the country. The country of Uzbekistan was recently estimated to be close to twenty-eight million. A large majority of Uzbeks have and are currently involved in the farming of cotton. White Gold as it has been called in past years serves as their main cash crop. Uzbekistan is still considered an agriculturally based society and holds the position as the worlds forth largest cotton producer. Some advancements have been made to better capitalize the natural resources held within the clutches of its soil such as natural gas and gold. A recent Central Intelligence Agency report provides some unique insight into the people of Uzbekistan. Over one third of the agricultural labor force is forced labor, of more than half are children under the age of eighteen.3 Once identified as one of the worlds largest lakes the Aral Sea, which rests in the northern portion of the country; once served as a solid natural resource. In the 1960s the Soviet Union embarked upon a
2

"Uzbekistan." U.S. Department of State. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2924.htm (accessed June 1, 2012)

Central Intelligence Agency. "World Facts." Uzbekistan. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworld-factbook/geos/uz.html (accessed June 29, 2012)

large scale irrigation program that diverted water from the rivers that fed this large mass of water to boost cotton production in the Central Asian desert. This measure overtime has killed the fishing economy of Uzbekistan. In a matter of decades the once thriving water mass has all but dried up to just a memory.4 Figure one shows the geographical limitations and boundaries of Uzbekistan, and their neighboring countries. You may also note in this pre-2010 map, the Aral Sea to the NorthWestern portion of the country.

Figure 1 : Uzbekistan

Ferraro, Gary P., and Susan Andreatta. Cultural anthropology: an applied perspective. Ninth ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 20112012.

Figure two shows a recent satellite view of Uzbekistan (post 2010). Notice where the Aral Sea once stood.

Figure 2: The dried-up Aral Sea to the North Western section of the country. United State govenmental statistics provide some very useful data regarding Uzbeks. The table below will prove useful as potential misionaries seek to strategize how they will conduct their missionary efforts. One might also find the fact that the literacy rate of those over the age of fifteen is approximately 99%.5 The Uzbek people are not primitive by any stretch of the imagination. Aside from the cotton that this country
5

Central Intelligence Agency. "World Facts." Uzbekistan. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/theworld-factbook/geos/uz.html (accessed June 29, 2012)

produces, they also produce vegetables, fruits, grain, and livestock. Uzbekistan can be seen in some areas as semi-industrial as well; in the fabrication of textiles, food processing, machining, mettallurgy, mining, and hydrocarbon extraction. The Central Intelligence Agency has also reported that Uzbekistan is a source country for women and girls trafficked to Kazakhstan, Russia, the Middle East, and Asia for the purpose of commercial sexual exploitation; men are trafficked to Kazakhstan and Russia for purposes of forced labor in the construction, cotton, and tobacco industries; men and women are also trafficked internally for the purposes of domestic servitude, forced labor in the agricultural and construction industries, and for commercial sexual exploitation.6 0-14 years 15-64 years 65 years and over 26.5% 68.8% 4.7% (male 3,817,755/female 3,635,142) (male 9,620,356/female 9,742,818) (male 560,574/female 751,955)

The U.S. recognized the independence of Uzbekistan since December 1991, and established an Embassy in Tashkent in March 1992. February 2012 marked 20 years of diplomatic relations between the United States and Uzbekistan. This should provide some sense of security knowing that there is a US Embassy if needed, it would be wise to communicate with the US officials in Uzbekistan to ensure proper protocol is followed as a visitor to a foreign country. The language Uzbek is the official language of Uzbekistan. However Russian is also spoken interethnically. The Uzbek language is relatively young, and has been
6

Ibid.

officially recognized since 1925.7 The Uzbek language is an off-spin of the Turkic language family, and is seen as a combination of several different languages spoken in Central and North Western Asia. In conducting missionary operations, it may be wise to identify Christians in the United States that are Christian who speak Uzbek. Winter and Hawthorne submit, The country of Uzbekistan reports that over fifty groups within it do not speak Uzbek, therefore they must be addressed separately.8 Approximately 88% of Uzbeks are Sunni Muslim. Uzbeks believe there is one God, who they call Allah revealed by the prophet Mohammed as recorded in their holy book the Koran. One will find interesting that many younger Uzbeks are categorized as atheists or non-religious.9 It goes without saying that an initiative of this magnitude will not be easy. The sentiment held toward western missionaries is not favorable, and organizations doing missions work in this country must proceed with a great sense of caution, despite the presents of a United States Embassy.

Fierman, William. Language planning and national development: the Uzbek experience. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, 1991.

Winter, Ralph D., Steven C. Hawthorne, Darrell R. Dorr, D. Bruce Graham, and Bruce A. Koch.Perspectives on the world Christian movement: a reader. 4th ed. Pasadena, Calif.: William Carey Library, 2009.p536
9

"Uzbek, Uzbekistan Ethnic People Profile." Joshua Project - Unreached Peoples of the World. http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-profile.php?peo3=14039&rog3=UZ (accessed June 17, 2012).

SURVEY OF MISSION WORK As previously mentioned, a country that posseses over 88% islamic adherents; one would be hard pressed to find open arms for those who do not follow the teachings of the prophet Mohammed. Uzbeks are very suspicious of outsiders, and as such have become very apprehensive in dealing with Americans and Europeans. In a European publication, one Uzbek official has openly expressed his criticisms toward missionary groups he believes interfere with the geopolitical process.10 Because missionaries have sought to bring the Word of God the people of Uzbekistan state television has labeled such work as a hidden threat to Uzbek society, and have even gone as far as comparing missionary work to that of terrorist activities or participation in illegal drug trade. 11 One of the biggest roadblocks in reaching this ethnic group is found under Uzbek Law; which states that all religious missionary activity is prohibited, to include those who the state deems unregistered to include the dissemination of religious literature.12 Those who seek to openly evangelize this portion of the globe risk deportation, detention, and public persecution. Joshua Project statistics show that one tenth of a percent of Uzbek have been exposed to Christianity.13 Many Muslims in this region
10

" Uzbekistan: Government Launches Campaign Against Missionaries." Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1144494.html (accessed July 1, 2012).

11

Ibid. Ibid.

12

13

"Uzbek, Northern of Uzbekistan Ethnic People Profile." Joshua Project - Unreached Peoples of the World. http://www.joshuaproject.net/people-profile.php?peo3=14039&rog3=UZ (accessed June 17, 2012).

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believe that missionaries target Uzbeks with low political awareness and weak-willed young people to include minors; all of which seeks to undermine Uzbek peoples Sunni Muslim faith and values. Former Soviet influence is seen as the country of Uzbekistan controls all aspects of religious life in the country. There have been a great deal of pastors and missionaries that have sought to bring the Word of God to the Uzbeks. A Christianity Today article related a story of a Christian pastor who was jailed for eight years, because he conducted Bible studies and having Christian books in his home. This was not this pastors first brush with the law. In 1999 Pastor Serikbayev was jailed for having Bibles and performing baptisms. The pastor is quoted as stating the following amidst his persecution "I had a family including two children at that time, he says. "Still I was happy to suffer for Christ; this was something I could do for Jesus."14 This region can not been seen as hospitable to groups outside of Islam. But there is hope. There is a small pocket of Uzbek Christians who seek to spread the message of Jesus Christ. Under great persecution they have continued to exercise their faith.

PROPOSED STRATEGY

14

"Uzbek pastor jailed and deserted but still faithful | Christian News on Christian Today." Christian News on Christian Today. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/uzbek.pastor.jailed.and.deserted.but.still.faithful/16372.htm (accessed June 15, 2012).

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In light of the previously discovered information, developing a missiological strategy may not be as easy as once thought. PERSPECTIVE ONE According to the U.S. Center for World Mission, Uzbekistan falls within a unique geographical location identified as the 10/40 Window.15 As detailed in the Joshua Project, the 10/40 Window is a rectangular area of North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Its precise location is 10 north and 40 north lattitude, and is often referred to as the Resistance Belt.16 This area currently holds a vast majority of the worlds Hindus, Muslims, and Buddhists; which has been estimated to the sum of over 4.5 billion people, and the least evangelized people groups in the world.

A missionary group who seeks to operate within this window must understand that there are heavy spiritual strongholds that exist in this region. Not only has this region
15

"What is the 10/40 Window?" Joshua Project - Unreached Peoples of the World

http://www.joshuaproject.net/10-40-window.php
16

Ibid.

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been overshadowed with severe poverty and disease, they have (through governmental restriction) been disuaded from seeking the transforming power of the Gospel.17 This region of peoples provide a direct link of what the Apostle Paul wrote in his second letter to the church at Corinth The god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers, so that they cannot see the light of the gospel that displays the glory of Christ, who is the image of God.18 It is my belief, that if an organization or missionary is truly led of God to work in this region additional planning is needed to seek out other organization who have done this in the past. The 10/40 window consists of many who are unreached, but that does not mean they are unreachable. PERSPECTIVE TWO When looking at the facilitation of missionary work in Uzbekistan and among the Uzbek people; and exhaustive analysis of the region, people, customs, government, and major religion must be conducted. It would not be unreasonable to plan this mission for less than twenty-four months. The government of Uzbekistan has warned against missionary activities in their country. There are state registered non-Muslim religious organizations at work in Uzbekistan, but they are highly regulated as to the purposes of their existence in the country. In all, a missions organization should search to identify Uzbeks who have taken hold of the Gospel, and seek to develop a bond with them through providing the basic necessities, even if they cannot personally be in the country. There is a great deal that can still be done from afar through prayer and physical
17

Ibid.

18

"2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV - The god of this age has blinded the - Bible Gateway." BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A4&version=NIV (accessed June 29, 2012).

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resources. Wayne Dye urges readers and students to understand the role of the Holy Spirit, and how it transforms the lives of others.19 Smalley and Kietzman state that the missionaries basic responsibility is to provide the material upon which the native believer and the church can grow; and in doing so the people will in time grow in grace and knowledge, which will proportionately affect their ability to make spirit directed decisions.20 PERSPECTIVE THREE Developing a direct strategy for sending a church or laborers to this reagin will take a great deal of delliberation. Fully concidering the above written details and facts will no doubt discourage many organization from even considering such an initiative. Never the less, an exploritory trip to provide a complete understanding of the challenges that reside in this region and country may be prudent. As alluded to earlier, this is not an unattainable task, as there is a great work to be done amidst the Uzbek people. Extreme caution must be taken to ensure the safety and wellbeing of missionaries traveling to Uzbekistan. Missionary work among unreached groups is laborous and lengthy.21 For certain this is a bold challenge, however with the proper planning and support it is possible to increase the numbers of Uzbeks who have been given the opportunity to learn of Jesus Christ.

19

Winter, Ralph D., Steven C. Hawthorne, Darrell R. Dorr, D. Bruce Graham, and Bruce A. Koch.Perspectives on the world Christian movement: a reader. 4th ed. Pasadena, Calif.: William Carey Library, 2009.p495
20

Ibid., 505 Ibid., 519

21

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BIBLIOGRAPHY "2 Corinthians 4:4 NIV - The god of this age has blinded the - Bible Gateway." BibleGateway.com: A searchable online Bible in over 100 versions and 50 languages.. http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=2+Corinthians+4%3A4&version=NIV Boikova, E. V.. Kinship in the Altaic world: proceedings of the 48th Permanent International Altaistic Conference, Moscow 10-15 July, 2005. Wiesbaden: Harrassowitz, 2006. Central Intelligence Agency. "World Facts." Uzbekistan. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/uz.html Ferraro, Gary P., and Susan Andreatta. Cultural anthropology: an applied perspective. Ninth ed. Belmont, CA: Wadsworth, 20112012. Fierman, William. Language planning and national development: the Uzbek experience. Berlin: Mouton de Gruyter, 1991. "Uzbek pastor jailed and deserted but still faithful | Christian News on Christian Today." Christian News on Christian Today. http://www.christiantoday.com/article/uzbek.pastor.jailed.and.deserted.but.still.faithful/1 6372.htm "Uzbek, Northern of Uzbekistan Ethnic People Profile." Joshua Project Unreached Peoples of the World. http://www.joshuaproject.net/peopleprofile.php?peo3=14039&rog3=UZ

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"Uzbekistan: Government Launches Campaign Against Missionaries." Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty. http://www.rferl.org/content/article/1144494.html "Uzbekistan." U.S. Department of State. http://www.state.gov/r/pa/ei/bgn/2924.htm "What is the 10/40 Window?" Joshua Project - Unreached Peoples of the World http://www.joshuaproject.net/10-40-window.php Winter, Ralph D., Steven C. Hawthorne, Darrell R. Dorr, D. Bruce Graham, and Bruce A. Koch.Perspectives on the world Christian movement: a reader. 4th ed. Pasadena, Calif.: William Carey Library, 2009