The Deaf Despised in Central Asia
In Karakalpakstan, deaf people are rejected by society, because it is believed that Allah has cursed them. Even the children of deaf parents aren’t accepted by their community because of this, despite being able to hear. Many of these kids choose not to attend school due to the bullying of other students.
Despite how they are viewed by most of the society, Christians in Karakalpakstan treat the deaf people differently: with love and acceptance. Because of this, many deaf people are open to the Gospel. If they become believers, they don’t care if they’re despised for changing their faith, because they have already been alienated from the community.
Pastor Farrukh* leads a church in Karakalpakstan and has over 50 deaf people under his care. On top of ministering to deaf congregants, Pastor Farrukh and his family are also committed to helping the children of deaf parents. Despite not yet having the proper space, they offer the children school lessons and a safe environment.
Due to the amount of time needed to maintain these ministries efforts, Pastor Farrukh had been unable to find a job that would allow him to support his family on the side. ICR Canada has been able to support him with two cows – one of which was pregnant. Selling the milk now helps him and his family survive, but their income is still very limited. They have hopes of acquiring more cows in the future.
Praise God for our devoted brothers and sisters who choose to stay planted in their communities and stand firm in their faith despite persecution. With a gift of $86, you can support a church planter in Central Asia just like Pastor Farrukh for one month.
*Name changed by the editors; symbolic photo
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