Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.1.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # People International Unveiling God's Glory in Central Asia ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://www.gopeople.org/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [Prayer Fuel](https://www.gopeople.org/prayer-fuel/) - [Through the Eyes of an Afghan Refugee Father](https://www.gopeople.org/through-the-eyes-of-an-afghan-refugee-father/) - My name is Fahim and I am from Afghanistan. I am thirty-five years old. This is some of my story: I have a wife and had two kids. My seven year old boy died in accident when we lived in Afghanistan. The Taliban increased and made our city unsafe. They threatened me and my family. - [Through the Eyes of a Refugee Family](https://www.gopeople.org/through-the-eyes-of-a-refugee-family/) - My name is Fatimah. I am twenty-five years old and an Afghan currently residing at the refugee camp on the island of Lesvos, Greece. Here is a little of my translated story: I wake up early in the morning due to the coldness of my body. I wrap the few blankets we have to cover - [Through the Eyes of a Young Afghan Refugee](https://www.gopeople.org/through-the-eyes-of-a-young-afghan-refugee/) - My name is Mehreen. I am 9 years old and I am from Afghanistan. But we had to leave, so right now I am living on an island in Greece. This is a little of my story: Snuggled up to my mom, I woke up and crawled out of our tent. Tent 196, that’s my - [Feb 2021 - Prayer for Uyghurs](https://www.gopeople.org/prayer-for-uyghurs/) - FEBRUARY 2021 In the mid-eighth century, the Uyghur people inhabited part of present-day Mongolia. Around A.D. 840 they were attacked from the north by the Kyrgyz, and fled southwest to their current homeland: most live in the Xinjiang (pronounced Shin-jang) province in northwest China. Photo credits:Kevin Frayer, Getty - [News from Central Asia](https://www.gopeople.org/news-from-central-asia/) - BBC update on the Turkey/Syria situation ## Pages - [Home](https://www.gopeople.org/) - Reaching the Unreached In Central AsiaGet Your 2026 Prayer Guide HereOur work extends beyond the borders of Central Asia to Include Central Asian Refugees living in Refugee Camps across the world.MOBILIZING MISSIONWORKERS FOR CENTRAL ASIAGoWhether for a few weeks or a lifetime, you can make a difference. Join us short-term or long-term and bring hope - [Interest Form](https://www.gopeople.org/interest-form/) - Interested in Serving with People International?We'd love to hear from you. Please Fill Out This Form Below, and Will Be in Touch with You Within 48 Hours.© Copyright People International 2026. All Rights Reserved. - [Contact Us](https://www.gopeople.org/contact-us/) - Contact usGet in touchWe are excited to connect with you! You can get in touch with us in three ways---call us, mail us, or email us using the form on this page! We will get back to you within 48 hours.Phone: 360-567-3757Mailing Address:P.O. Box 3005Vancouver, WA 98668Fill out the following formand our office staff will - [form test](https://www.gopeople.org/form-test/) - [Legacy Giving](https://www.gopeople.org/legacy-giving/) - Legacy Giving & Legacy Fund GivingWhy We GivePLANNING AHEADLegacy GivingOne of the best ways to steward the resources entrusted to you is to have an up-to-date will or trust.Leaving a gift in your will (sometimes called a bequest) to a ministry or charity that you believe in is a great expression of your personal values, - [Contact](https://www.gopeople.org/contact/) - Make a connection: Phone: 360-567-3757 Mailing Address: P.O. Box 3005 Vancouver, WA 98668 Fill out the following and our office staff will get back with you! - [Leadership & Business Trainings for Persecuted Church](https://www.gopeople.org/leadership-business-trainings-for-persecuted-church/) - Give to Train Leaders Partner with Us To Train Leaders HereTraining Leaders Who Will Transform Their CommunitiesIn January and April of 2026, we’re hosting two strategic business training events for emerging leaders from Turkmenistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan. These gatherings build on the momentum of two successful 2025 events, where more than 50 leaders were equipped and - [go serve](https://www.gopeople.org/go-serve/) - Ready to Go...When God began putting the people of Central Asia on your heart, you may have wondered where to get started. You’ve found the right place!Inquire to Serve in Central AsiaThe first step is to begin the conversation! Take a few moments to fill out our online inquiry form and let the conversation begin.Start - [PI History](https://www.gopeople.org/pi-history/) - HistoryPeople International was established in 1979. The first years of this Good News ministry were devoted to spreading information about the needs of Central Asia to the Church in the West. Muslim Awareness Seminars were held, prayer fellowships started, literature was published, and inquiries about Central Asian Muslims were answered. Pioneer researchers were sent to - [Our Board](https://www.gopeople.org/aboutourboard/) - LEARN ABOUT OUR BOARDOur Board of DirectorsThe 2025 People International USA (PIUSA) Board of Directors is made up of individuals from Oregon, Arizona, Idaho, Oklahoma, Louisiana, Georgia, Alabama, and Virginia. We are church leaders, business professionals, accountants, attorneys, doctors, and financial planners. The board is mandated to oversee all of the work of People International USA - [Short Term](https://www.gopeople.org/short-term/) - Short Term ServiceWe send short-term teams to Central Asia to minister for a few weeks or a few months. We go to to serve refugees who have landed in Greece from Central Asia, to serve local churches and leaders all over Central Asia.Team in Lesvos serving refugees.Some of Our Other Teams-Central AsiaWILL YOU BE NEXT?THE - [Privacy Policy and Terms of Use](https://www.gopeople.org/privacy-policy/) - Download Privacy PolicyDownload Terms of Use - [About](https://www.gopeople.org/about-3/) - OUR PAST AND OUR FUTUREOur StoryPeople International is an interdenominational Christian organization, whose vision is to see churches established that proclaim the Good News among the Muslim peoples of Central Asia and model true Christian living on the example of Jesus Christ.People International was established in 1979 and since then has been researching Central Asia - [Financials](https://www.gopeople.org/financials/) - FINANCESOur Reports20192020202120222023People International USA is ECFA accredited. For financial data relating to our operations, visit our ECFA profile.People International is a Member of the Child Safety & Protection Network which is a collaborative network of mission agencies, faith-based NGOs, and international Christian schools intentionally and strategically addressing the issues of child protection. The Network began - [Job Opening](https://www.gopeople.org/international-director-job/) - IN OUR NEWS Job Description for International Director Overview To provide vision, leadership and spiritual oversight for People International (PI). Responsibilities Seeking God’s guidance through prayer and with others in the ongoing vision, values and work of the movement, personally accepting these, providing spiritual leadership and communicating them to existing and potential workers and supporters - [Purpose, Beliefs and Core Values](https://www.gopeople.org/purpose-beliefs-and-core-values/) - OUR PURPOSE STATEMENT, BELIEFS & VALUESOur Purpose StatementTo unveil God’s glory to Central Asian Muslims by establishing and enabling His church.OUR BELIEFSStatement of FaithThe members of PI Believe in: The one true God who lives eternally in three persons—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.The love, grace and sovereignty of God in creating, sustaining, ruling, - [Login](https://www.gopeople.org/login-2/) - [theme-my-login-page] - [Affiliates](https://www.gopeople.org/about/affiliates/) - People International Affiliate Offices - [Home](https://www.gopeople.org/home/) - Living out the Good News of the Gospel so that all may know. An international movement serving people through community development, aid and relief, business and entrepreneurial efforts. - [Resources](https://www.gopeople.org/resource/) - General PublicationsWe have several resources including a map of Central Asia and country-specific prayer cards available upon request. A suggested contribution of $1 per item helps cover the cost of print and shipping. Thank You! Request Materials Recommended Resources & WebsitesA growing number of sites offer material dedicated to Central Asia. Be sure to send - [Go](https://www.gopeople.org/serve/) - Church planting among unreached Muslims is a creative process requiring creative people. A wide variety of ages, skills and personalities are needed. Begin your journey today! - [About Us](https://www.gopeople.org/about/) - Our Story People International is an interdenominational Christian organization, whose vision is to see churches established that proclaim the Good News among the Muslim peoples of Central Asia and model true Christian living on the example of Jesus Christ.People International was established in 1979 and since then has been researching Central Asia and making the - [Memberships](https://www.gopeople.org/about/memberships/) - The Child Safety & Protection Network is a collaborative network of mission agencies, faith-based NGOs and international Christian schools intentionally and strategically addressing the issues of child protection. The Network began in September 2006 and now has 111 organizations who are part of the network. People International USA is ECFA accredited. For financial data relating to our operations, visit - [Islam Under the Soviet Union](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/islam-under-the-soviet-union/) - The American campaign against Afghanistan has thrust the region of Central Asia into the media spotlight. Despite the region’s independent in 1991, interest in this area of the world has largely been confined to governments, academics, companies and organizations such as NATO. The article briefly examines the history of this Islamic region under the Soviet; - [Your Subscription has been Confirmed](https://www.gopeople.org/you-confirmed-subscription/) - Thank you for confirming your subscription. Be sure to add our email address (team at gopeople.org) to your address book to ensure delivery. Let us know how we can serve you better and fuel your heart for the work among the people of Central Asia! Be blessed in HIM, The Team - [Request Material](https://www.gopeople.org/resource/request/) - [Pillars of Islam](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/pillars-of-islam/) - Islam is built on five pillars (Hadith Sahih Bukhari Vol 1, Book 2, No 7), the first of which is a state of faith, the other four are major exercises of faith of which some are daily, some weekly, some monthly, some annually and some are required as a minimum once in a lifetime. These - [Conclusion](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/conclusion/) - The Soviet period has left a lasting legacy upon the region of Central Asia and its peoples. The present ruling elite’s are a legacy of a bygone era, clinging ruthlessly to power. The political trajectories of these new states is in flux. Tajikistan, Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan were noted during the 1990s for their pro-Russian stance - [Islamic Rennaissance Party (IRP)](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/islamic-rennaissance-party-irp/) - One of the most striking outcomes of the Gorbachev period was the formation of the Islamic Renaissance Party (IRP). The IRP was officially set up in 1991. It grew out of a desire to protect the Islamic identity of the Soviet Union’s Muslims during the 1980s. As such, the party gained a great deal of - [Gorbachev and Collapse of Soviet Union](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/gorbachev-and-collapse-of-soviet-union/) - The resurgence of Islamic expression throughout the Soviet Union in the 1980s was a direct result of Gorbachev’s policies of Perestroika and Glasnost. Such policies relaxed the Soviet Union’s rigid authoritarianism and permitted a modicum of free expression to exist. Thus in republics like Uzbekistan, Islamic practices and sentiments to resurface.[10] This is particularly noteworthy. - [Turkmenistan](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/turkmenistan/) - Introduction Background Annexed by Russia between 1865 and 1885, Turkmenistan became a Soviet republic in 1924. It achieved its independence upon the dissolution of the USSR in 1991. President Saparmurat NIYAZOV retains absolute control over the country and opposition is not tolerated. Extensive hydrocarbon/natural gas reserves could prove a boon to this underdeveloped country if - [Central Asia](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/) - Communism fell in 1991 throughout Central Asia, yet its spiritual darkness still holds many people in fear and bondage. There is a growing need for prayer, resources and Christian workers if we are going to advance the Kingdom of God throughout Central Asia. Let us unite together and seek to move forward in confidence that - [Our Purpose Statement](https://www.gopeople.org/about/vision/) - To unveil God's glory to Central Asian Muslims by establishing and enabling His church. Our Beliefs: Statement of Faith The members of People International believe in: The one true God who lives eternally in three persons—the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. The love, grace and sovereignty of God in creating, sustaining, ruling, redeeming - [Afghanistan](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/afghanistan/) - Introduction Ahmad Shah DURRANI unified the Pashtun tribes and founded Afghanistan in 1747. The country served as a buffer between the British and Russian empires until it won independence from notional British control in 1919. A brief experiment in democracy ended in a 1973 coup and a 1978 Communist counter-coup. The Soviet Union invaded in - [Armenia](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/armenia/) - Introduction Armenia prides itself on being the first nation to formally adopt Christianity (early 4th century). Despite periods of autonomy, over the centuries Armenia came under the sway of various empires including the Roman, Byzantine, Arab, Persian, and Ottoman. The eastern area of Armenia was ceded by the Ottomans to Russia in 1828; this portion - [Azerbaijan](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/azerbaijan/) - Introduction Background Azerbaijan - a nation with a Turkic and majority-Muslim population - was briefly independent from 1918 to 1920; it regained its independence after the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991. Despite a 1994 cease-fire, Azerbaijan has yet to resolve its conflict with Armenia over the Azerbaijani Nagorno-Karabakh enclave (largely Armenian populated). Azerbaijan - [Georgia](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/georgia/) - Introduction Background The region of present-day Georgia contained the ancient kingdoms of Colchis and Kartli-Iberia. The area came under Roman influence in the first centuries A.D. and Christianity became the state religion in the 330s. Domination by Persians, Arabs, and Turks was followed by a Georgian golden age (11th-13th centuries) that was cut short by - [Iran](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/iran/) - Introduction Background Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 after the ruling monarchy was overthrown and the shah was forced into exile. Conservative clerical forces established a theocratic system of government with ultimate political authority nominally vested in a learned religious scholar. Iranian-US relations have been strained since a group - [Iraq](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/iraq/) - Introduction Background Formerly part of the Ottoman Empire, Iraq was occupied by Britain during the course of World War I; in 1920, it was declared a League of Nations mandate under UK administration. In stages over the next dozen years, Iraq attained its independence as a kingdom in 1932. A "republic" was proclaimed in 1958, - [Kazakhstan](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/kazakhastan/) - Introduction Background Native Kazakhs, a mix of Turkic and Mongol nomadic tribes who migrated into the region in the 13th century, were rarely united as a single nation. The area was conquered by Russia in the 18th century, and Kazakhstan became a Soviet Republic in 1936. During the 1950s and 1960s agricultural "Virgin Lands" program, - [Kyrgyzstan](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/kyrgyzstan/) - Introduction Background A Central Asian country of incredible natural beauty and proud nomadic traditions, Kyrgyzstan was annexed by Russia in 1864; it achieved independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Nationwide demonstrations in the spring of 2005 resulted in the ouster of President Askar AKAYEV, who had run the country since 1990. Subsequent presidential elections - [Pakistan](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/pakistan/) - Introduction Background The separation in 1947 of British India into the Muslim state of Pakistan (with two sections West and East) and largely Hindu India was never satisfactorily resolved, and India and Pakistan fought two wars - in 1947-48 and 1965 - over the disputed Kashmir territory. A third war between these countries in 1971 - [Russia](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/russia/) - Introduction Background Founded in the 12th century, the Principality of Muscovy, was able to emerge from over 200 years of Mongol domination (13th-15th centuries) and to gradually conquer and absorb surrounding principalities. In the early 17th century, a new Romanov Dynasty continued this policy of expansion across Siberia to the Pacific. Under PETER I (ruled - [Tajikistan](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/tajikistan/) - Introduction Background The Tajik people came under Russian rule in the 1860s and 1870s, but Russia's hold on Central Asia weakened following the Revolution of 1917. Bolshevik control of the area was fiercely contested and not fully reestablished until 1925. Tajikistan became independent in 1991 following the breakup of the Soviet Union, and it is - [Turkey](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/turkey/) - Introduction Background Modern Turkey was founded in 1923 from the Anatolian remnants of the defeated Ottoman Empire by national hero Mustafa KEMAL, who was later honored with the title Ataturk, or "Father of the Turks." Under his authoritarian leadership, the country adopted wide-ranging social, legal, and political reforms. After a period of one-party rule, an - [Uzbekistan](https://www.gopeople.org/central-asia/uzbekistan/) - Introduction Background Russia conquered Uzbekistan in the late 19th century. Stiff resistance to the Red Army after World War I was eventually suppressed and a socialist republic set up in 1924. During the Soviet era, intensive production of "white gold" (cotton) and grain led to overuse of agrochemicals and the depletion of water supplies, which - [History](https://www.gopeople.org/about/history/) - People International was established in 1979. The first years of this Good News ministry were devoted to spreading information about the needs of Central Asia to the Church in the West. Muslim Awareness Seminars were held, prayer fellowships started, literature published, and inquiries about Central Asian Muslims were answered. Pioneer researchers were sent to the - [Islam in Central Asia](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/islam-in-central-asia/) - Details and citations from: Sayyid Abu Al-'Ala Maududi, Islam: Its Meaning and Message, in M. Tariq Quraishi (ed.), American Trust Publications, Indianapolis, Indiana, 1984, 12-14. Islam, An Introduction. Undated. Compiled by Dr. Mohammed Ibrahim Elmasry c/o KW Islamic Association, P.O. Box 823, Waterloo, Ontario, CANADA N2J 4C2, (519) 885-2225. Content: » Pre-Islam Era » The - [Pre-Islam Era](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/pre-islam-era/) - The first people known to have occupied Central Asia were Iranian nomads who arrived from the northern grasslands of what is now Uzbekistan sometime in the first millennium B.C. At this time, cities such as Bukhoro (Bukhara) and Samarqand (Samarkand) began to appear as centers of government and culture. By the fifth century B.C., the - [The Arrival of Islam](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/the-arrival-of-islam/) - However it was not the wealth of the region that attracted the first Muslims to Central Asia but the drive to seek the pleasure of Allah (SWT) by conveying the message of truth - Al Islam. The opening of Central Asia and the implementation of Islam was completed in the eighth century A.D., and brought - [Central Asian Republics](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/central-asian-republics/) - The Soviet Union divided the Central Asian region into separate administrative units. Stalin created Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan in 1924, Tajikistan in 1929 and Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in 1936.[5] Shirin Akiner notes that, ‘These republics were entirely new state formations with no basis in historic nation-states. They were created not in response to popular demand, but - [Central Asia Regimes Since Independance](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/central-asia-regimes-since-independance/) - The elite’s of Central Asia, by and large are Soviet legacies, as are the new states. Since independence Central Asia’s former Soviet elite’s have clung to power ruthlessly. Many leaders used the outbreak of the Tajik civil war in 1992 to justify the outlawing of all forms of political opposition.[17] Islam Karimov, President of Uzbekistan - [Articles of Faith](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/articles-of-faith/) - Articles of Faith Allah, the One and Only God Messengers and Prophets of God Revelations and the Quran The Angels The Day of Judgment Qadaa and Qadar The Purpose of Life Status of Human Beings Salvation Acceptance of Faith Allah, the One and Only God A Muslim believes in ONE GOD, Supreme and Eternal, Infinite - [Understanding Islam](https://www.gopeople.org/islam/) - The term "ISLAM" is derived from the Arabic root salaama peace, purity, submission and obedience. In the religious sense, Islam means submission to the will of God and obedience to His law. Everything and every phenomenon in the world, other than man and jinn is administered totally by God-made laws, they are obedient to God - [Thank You For Subscribing!](https://www.gopeople.org/you-subscribed/) - Thank You You have just been sent an email to confirm your email address. Please click on the link in this email to confirm your subscription. - [Student Internship](https://www.gopeople.org/about-2/) - View Unreached People of the Day - [Reset Password](https://www.gopeople.org/resetpass/) - [theme-my-login] - [Lost Password](https://www.gopeople.org/lostpassword/) - [theme-my-login] - [Log Out](https://www.gopeople.org/logout/) - [theme-my-login] ## Global Elements - [Section](https://www.gopeople.org/op_global_element/section/) ## Categories - [Public](https://www.gopeople.org/category/public/) - As told by firsthand and eyewitnesses. Personal account and details only discovered by those willing to go, to be and do in the name of Jesus.