The Uyghurs are a Turkic-speaking people who converted to Islam in the 10th century, and they primarily live in Xinjiang Province, China. Recently more than a million Uyghurs have been detained in Chinese internment camps, where they are being indoctrinated in the ways of communism, made to speak Mandarin, and made to denounce their culture, including Islam. Many have sought refuge in other countries, and some are presently living in Istanbul.
The oppressive treatment of their people has caused the development of several militant Uyghur groups in Turkey that want Xinjiang Province to separate from China. Since they use Islam as their banner, they are more resistant to any Christian witness. The Turkish people often don't accept the Uyghurs as they see them as troublemakers. This compounds the Uyghurs' distrust of those outside their community, including those who want to take Christ to them.
Places like Australia, U.S., and Canada have accepted Uyghur immigrants from China and Turkey, and they are allowed to maintain their cultural traditions. This gives believers an opportunity to show interest in their lives, which can open the doors to introducing them to Christ.
"For my life is spent with sorrow, and my years with sighing; my strength fails because of my iniquity, and my bones waste away." Psalm 31:10
Pray that this people group will understand that sin drains and destroys, but the Lord offers forgiveness and spiritual refreshment.
Pray that God would give wisdom and guidance to Christ followers who reach out to the Uyghurs, so they will desire to know God and accept his grace through Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Pray for a movement to Christ among the Uyghurs.
