Synod Task Force on Kazakhstan

Earlier this year, John McKinney and I had the privilege of hearing the Bishop of Kazakhstan speak at the SOS assembly. Although the bishop spoke no English and delivered his speech through an interpreter, his Christian concern for his people, his warmth and his humor came through loud and clear. This was the bishop's first visit to the US. Prior to coming to Ohio, his view of Americans was limited to the news he saw and read about our politicians and government. It was not a very positive view. However, after attending the assembly and getting to meet and worship with our fellow synod Lutherans, Pastor Yuri has a much more positive outlook on Americans. Before returning to Kazakhstan, he told his host, Pastor Peter Kruse, that he'd like to get to know us better.

This fall, I was invited by Pastor Ed Williams to join a task force on Kazakhstan. Saturday, Dec 13th was the kick-off meeting for this committee at the Synod office in Columbus. Pastor Kruse is the chairman; the meeting was attended by a few area pastors and a few lay persons including me.

The country of Kazakhstan has relatively few Lutherans with the majority of the population following the Eastern Orthodox church and the Muslim faith. Religious persecution is a very serious concern in the country. Recent laws passed have stringent requirements for churches to "register" with the state in order to be allowed to meet and worship. There is also legislation pending that would recognize and allow only these 2 major religions.

There is also much social need in Kazakhstan. There is a large problem of babies, born to unwed Muslim women, being abandoned on the roadside.

Pastor Kruse has set 3 objectives for the committee to focus on:
1) host and support a Kazakshtan seminary student at Wittenburg.

2) support Lutheran social services orphanages that care for abandoned babies and children.

3) Find ways to get to know our Kazakshtan sister synod members.

For more information, go to www.forum18.org.