Pray for Azerbaijan

Azerbaijan is the largest country in the Caucasus region of Eurasia.

It is bounded by the Caspian Sea to the east, Russia in the north,
Georgia in the northwest, Armenia in the west, and Iran in the south.

Baku is the capital.
The population is over 8 million.

FACTS
The name 'Āzarbaijan' means 'Guardians of Fire.'

Azerbaijan is a crossroads between Western Asia and Eastern Europe.

Azerbaijan was the first Soviet republic to declare its independence.

DEMOGRAPHICS
91.60% Azerbaijani
2.02% Lezgian
1.35% Armenian
1.34% Russian
1.26% Talysh
2.43% other

96%    Muslim
2.5%   Russian Orthodox
0.18%  Georgian Orthodox
0.11%  Jewish

HISTORY
People have lived in Azerbaijan for thousands of years.

Scythians settled in the area during the 9th century B.C.
The Medes followed and established an empire from 900-700 B.C.

The area became part of the Persian empire around 550 B.C.
During the 4th c B.C. it became part of the Seleucid empire.

Over the next several centuries the area was controlled by various rulers:
Sassanids
Arabs
Mongols
Turks
Russians

Azerbaijan was part of the USSR from 1920-1991.

After independence, the country faced internal coups.

During the late 80's a secessionist movement grew in the region of Nagorno-Karabakh.
Most of the ethnic Armenians in the area wanted to unite with Armenia.
This resulted in the Nagorno-Karabakh War (1988-94)
The war resulted in thousands of deaths.
Atrocities and ethnic cleanings were committed on both sides.

CONDITIONS
Much of the economy is based on mining and industry.
Oil is a major product.
Natural gas, agricultural and cotton production is also important.

The country has been making progress on economic reform.

The war with Armenia (1988-1994) resulted in thousands of deaths.
Thousands more were displaced.
Refugees on both sides of the conflict are still displaced.

Although there is a cease-fire, the situation is still tense.
Borders with Armenia remain closed.

War and corruption has had a massive impact on the whole country.

60% of the population live in poverty.

Azerbaijan faces serious environmental challenges.
A lot of its soil was contaminated by DDT and toxic defoliants during the Soviet era.

Petroleum and petrochemicals industries also have caused air and water pollution.

Several environmental organizations exist but have little funding.
Over-fishing by poachers is a problem.

SPIRITUAL CONDITIONS
The population is 96% Muslim.
Islam is considered the ancestral faith.

Christianity is associated with Russia or Armenia and so believers are considered traitors.

Most of Azerbaijan's towns and villages have never heard the gospel.

Foreign missionaries aren't allowed to evangelise.

Many believers are unable to find or keep employment and are watched by
the secret services.

Many churches have not been able to renew their registration in 2010.

In May 2009, a new law took effect requiring all religious organizations
to re-register with the government.

Unregistered religious organizations are viewed as illegal and not allowed to operate

It is virtually impossible to put up a new church building
According to the law, private homes cannot be used for holding religious services.

Despite this the number of indigenous believers continues to grow,and many
are active in outreach.

SUFFERERS
In 2009, officials raided a home where children had gathered to listen to Bible stories.
The children were questioned and their names recorded before they were released.

In the capital city of Baku, 3 believers were fined for "illegally spreading
Christianity and other faiths."

A Pastor Shabanov was arrested for possession of an illegal weapon.
His family insists the gun was planted by police.

PRAYER NEEDS
Pray that the political situation improve.
Pray that there be stability and peace.

Pray that there be no more violence.

Pray for those who lost loved ones in the war.

Pray for those who have been displaced.

Pray for those who suffer from poverty and/or unemployment.

Pray that corruption ceases.

Pray that the economy improve.

Pray that solutions be found to environmental problems.

Pray that God will break down barriers of hate and prejudice

Pray for provision of more Bibles, literature and training material,
despite restrictions on imports and distribution

Pray for undisturbed opportunities for children to hear the gospel.

Pray that Christians be able to reach people who don't know God.

Pray that they Russian speaking believers show sensitivity and wisdom
in evangelising.

Pray for endurance and courage for active Christians, who face much opposition.

Continue to pray the truth behind these charges will be revealed and that
Pastor Shabanov will be released.
Pray for Pastor Shebanov and his family during this difficult time.
Pray that their testimonies will draw nonbelievers into fellowship with God