The picture shows a Soviet Monument to World War II heros in Panfilov Park in Almaty, Kazakhstan. It honors soldiers of the Almaty infantry unit who died fighting the Nazis outside of Moscow. Here, people come to sit, rest, and remember. Let’s pray that the peace of the Lord dwells among this memorial park as it encourages reflection and rest. May it be a common place for people to encounter Jesus. May it also serve as a reminder for believers in Kazakhstan to remember what Jesus Christ did on the cross for us all as he “causes us to remember his wonderful works” (Psalm 111:5).

Photo Credit: www.robertharding.com

Taz: an ancient Kazakh hunting dog. There are legends and symbols for this special dog, representing purity and morality. As it was prized among its people for thousands of years, let’s pray for scriptural truths to penetrate the long line of beliefs that have been widely accepted. May the Lord begin to build upon and prune away many of the ideas and understandings on what is good and right in Kazakhstan.

“God is light, and there is no darkness in him at all… and we are lying if we say we have fellowship with God but go on living in spiritual darkness; we are not practicing the truth.” 1 John 1:5-6

Photo Credit: indy-guide.com

The Altai Mountains stretch across Eastern Kazakhstan. It is said that this region is mystic, fabled, and holy. Here, religions intersect: Shamanism, Islam, Christianity, and more. It’d be easy to celebrate religious diversity, but may we bear in mind the spiritual realm is alive and active. Ephesians 6:12 tells us that “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but… against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Let’s pray for the word of God to come alive and believers to put on the full armor of God to protect and engage in Kazakhstan’s spiritual battle.

Photo Credit: http://blogs.nicholas.duke.edu/

In the rural countryside, Kazakh women hold up an exquisitely ornate tapestry. Handmade and wonderful, their craftsmanship is only a mere portion of the Lord’s. Ephesians 2:10 reminds us that “we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do,” so may this verse dwell in the hearts of artisans and creators in Kazakhstan. Let’s pray the Lord brings revelation to their hearts in a way that is familiar to them through their God- given, creative gifts.

Photo Credit: www.robertharding.com