Calvary Chapel Mission: Central Asia
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June 2, 2006

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Kyrgyzstan - God is calling George & Pam Markey and Jed & Renee Gourley to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyzstan. There are few churches in this predominately Muslim country of over five million people. It is a multinational country with over 80 different nationalities and ethnic groups.

Strategically located west of China and north of Pakistan and Afghanistan, Kyrgyzstan is a nation in the midst of political, economic, and religious turmoil.

Our vision is to see many healthy churches planted throughout Kyrgyzstan, first by building a model church in Bishkek, as we did in Ukraine.

Calvary Chapel of Bishkek
In the fall of 2005, Paul and Melanie Billings moved from Ukraine to Bishkek desiring to begin a church there. Earlier this year, the Billings were granted religious permission by the government to freely share the Gospel in Kyrgyzstan. In April, a team of nine from Kiev journeyed to Bishkek in order to share the Gospel through music, drama, and street evangelism.

The result was the beginning of the first Calvary Chapel in Central Asia. Paul and Melanie are now pastoring this young body of believers. The Markeys and Gourleys will be joining Paul and Melanie to labor in the harvest fields of Kyrgyzstan. The importance of working together as a family and a team cannot be overstated in this largely clan oriented society.

There is a great need for evangelism and discipleship in Bishkek. We desire to see many more teams of Ukrainians come and serve in Kyrgyzstan. They have much in common with the Kyrgyz. Both nations were under communist rule. Both have had recent revolutions hoping for change and less corruption. Both speak the common language of Russian. Both have experienced major economic and political upheavals.

A Time of Transition
As we embark upon this new phase of our lives and ministries, it is with joy and sorrow that we anticipate our departure from Ukraine. Truly the Lord has done much in these past 14 years. We rejoice to see strong leaders, victorious believers, and a reproducible model church. However, our hearts are also saddened to leave those with whom we have been so close.

Please pray with us during this time of transitioning out of the ministry in Ukraine and transitioning into the new work in Kyrgyzstan.
- Pray for all of the details surrounding our upcoming move this summer.
- Pray for the continued direction of the Holy Spirit in the Kiev church.
- Pray for the growth of the new believers in Bishkek.
- Pray for the protection and health of our families.

New Horizons
Many of the countries in Central Asia are now open to the Gospel. However, it appears that the doors in some of these countries are closing. Please seek the Lord about your involvement in Pioneering Central Asia. Perhaps the Lord is calling you to go? Come and plant a church. Perhaps He is calling someone from your body? Send them out, support and encourage them. Perhaps He would have you partner with us? If you feel so led, please see the support information below. Above all, please pray for the work of the Holy Spirit in Central Asia.

“God be merciful to us and bless us, and cause His face to shine upon us,
that Your way may be known on earth, Your salvation among all nations” Psalm 67:1-2

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