On Thursday morning, the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS) reported that all its missionaries in Kyrgyzstan have remained unharmed through a violent coup d'état that left 70 injured and hundreds more looted.
"All LCMS World Mission missionaries are accounted for, and the mission offices in Kyrgyzstan are temporarily closed," according to a report by John Mel, LCMS World mission regional director for Eurasia.
Following a day of protests in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishek, where violent clashes between supporters of the old government and the opposition injured 70, the parliament convened in an emergency session. In it members of the opposition were installed to act as president and prime minister until Friday when a new government for the Central Asian country will be presented.
Rumours are continuing that the president, Askar Akayev, 60, fled the country. An opposition spokesman also said that the Prime Minister, Nikolai Tanayev, tendered his resignation.
With no police on the streets, many young men have been reported to be looting department stores, casinos, and jewelry shops. The parliament gave the new government special powers to stop lawlessness in the capital.
Kyrgyzstan has a Muslim majority of 75 percent. Orthodox Christians make up 20 percent.
Francis Helguero
Ecumenical Press
-
From Tyndale to today: The enduring hunger for the Bible
-
More than 4,200 Christians killed in Nigeria this year - report
-
800 years on: Why St Francis of Assisi still captivates the world
-
Blackburn Cathedral puts the Bible where it belongs
-
Franklin Graham preaches with warning from Sodom in Manchester
-
The book that changed Sweden: 500 years of the Swedish New Testament
Most Popular
News
Televangelist Jim Bakker dies at 86
Jim Bakker, the controversial televangelist who once owned one of the most popular theme parks in the United States but later went to prison for his financial misconduct, has died at age 86.
Christian faith seen as ‘significantly more relevant’ to young people than church, new report finds
The Christian faith is perceived as “significantly more relevant to children” and young people than the church itself, according to new research which calls on churches to rethink how they engage the next generation.
Winnie-the-Pooh centenary marked with new Christian reflection resources for schools
Church schools are being invited to explore Christian values through the much-loved stories of Winnie-the-Pooh as part of new resources produced to mark the character’s 100th anniversary.
UK ranks seventh globally for daily Bible App use as searches for anxiety and hope rise
The UK has ranked seventh in the world for daily Bible App engagement, as new figures from YouVersion suggest growing numbers of people are turning to Scripture for reassurance, guidance and spiritual support.
