KAZAKHSTAN — Christians Targeted for Religious Activity

KAZAKHSTAN — Christians Targeted for Religious Activity

On April 1, Vissa Kim, pastor of Grace Light of Love Church, was fined 10 months' salary for "harming a woman's health by praying for her," according to Forum 18 News. "Now it looks like pastors will get fines for praying for the sick in churches," a member of Kim's church told Forum 18.
Elsewhere in Kazakhstan, government authorities are targeting Christian-run drug rehabilitation centers. Sergei Mironov, who operates a clinic in Taraz, southern Kazakhstan, was given one year's restriction on freedom of movement after being convicted of depriving a client of his freedom, according to Forum 18. Authorities have reportedly closed his clinic. In addition, a criminal case has been opened against the leader of another Christian-run rehabilitation center in Almaty. "Religious communities can do social work, but only if they do it in accordance with the Religion Law," a government official told Forum 18 concerning Mironov's case. Praise God for the courage of these Christians in Kazakhstan. Pray that they will remain faithful and that their testimonies will draw their persecutors to Christ. Also pray that the charges against the Christians will be dismissed.