Update from the Enemy Camp

Dear Prayer Warrior,
The past few weeks have been historic for the country of Kazakhstan.  This past Monday a new religious law was put into effect seriously restricting religious freedom in Kazakhstan.  This is historic for 2 reasons: 1) it is the first religious law passed in Kazakhstan which restricts religious freedom since they claimed independence from the former Soviet Union, and 2) the bill passed through both houses of the government in record time of less than 2 weeks before being signed into law by President Nasurbaev shortly thereafter.  What does this mean for us?  We are still figuring it all out.  What we do know is:

This law includes all religions:  Christianity, Islam, Jehovah's Witnesses, Mormons, etc. etc.
All places of worship must re-register with the government.
Each place of worship must have a minimum of 50 locals signing the registration form and a local leader who has been trained in an accredited university/seminary. 
No religious activity may take place outside of registered places of worship
No foreigner may teach any type of religious material in a group setting
No one may possess more than one copy of religious material
Penalty for breaking the law will carry a minimum fine of $4000, and if the law breaker is foreigner - the visa may be revoked or simply not renewed.  We are not sure how that would be handled with those of us who have permanent residency. 

I am informing you of this new development, not out of fear, but to ask you to be in prayer for us as workers and local believers here.  Peace has already flooded all of our hearts and I have not talked to anyone who is fearful of this new law.  We know Who holds the hearts of kings in His hands and while it appears that this battle has been lost, we know Who wins the war!

The HUGE praise in all of this is the timing.  The Kazakh translation of the complete Bible has finally been published!  It was due for distribution just a few days after the president signed the law.  However, the distribution of the Bibles took place in 3 major cities on Saturday October 22nd just 2 days before the law went into effect!  Praise Him that the Word is finally in the hands of the Kazakh people in their own language.

Please pray:
For all of the believers in Kazakhstan, that we would boldly speak the Truth of the Gospel and not fear man who can harm the body, but can not touch the soul!
Pray also for wisdom as many are making decisions about any needed changes in their ministries here.
Pray for my team this week.  We are having a spiritual renewal retreat where foreigners will be leading.  There will only be foreigners in attendance, but we are still technically breaking the law.  This retreat has been a year in the planning with people coming from 4 other countries participate with us, so we decided to move forward as planned.
Pray for the next printing and delivery of the Kazakh Bible.  That there will be enough funds for printing and that the delivery and distribution will be able to take place. 

Thank you for laboring with us!