How would you respond if, upon arriving once again to teach Mugata children, you heard one of them say, “My sister—she’s 13—ran away from home and married another thirteen-year-old boy!” What would you say at such a moment? After all, the “heroes of the story” are still just children, not yet physically or emotionally formed to make such serious decisions. It is in moments like these that you truly cry out to God, asking Him for wisdom and strength to respond rightly.
It was with this very situation that Sister Vera was confronted during her most recent trip. And not only this. The Muslim uraza1 had begun—the major fast before Ramadan. Immediately, problems arose with children attending classes. Parents, influenced by their spiritual leaders, stopped allowing the older children to come. “Why are you taking our children to these kafirs?” they angrily rebuked Aziza, not understanding that the word kafir—“unbeliever”—does not apply to Christians. Even in the Qur’an, Christians are referred to as “People of the Book.”
But despite everything, the classes continued. Each day there were 20–30 children. Some of them have been attending for a long time and already know quite a lot. Literacy training is progressing well. The children have learned the alphabet in two languages. They are beginning to read slowly, syllable by syllable, and can recognize their written names.
They already know much about God and about saving grace. Not only the children, but also the adults whom Brother Shukhrat meets with. Yet it is absolutely clear that unless God, through the Holy Spirit, brings these truths to life in them—unless He awakens life in the seeds that have been sown—there will be no spiritual awakening in the hearts of these people and children. And this is the team’s primary prayer need as they serve among the Mugata people: “Pray for awakening among these people!”
While continuing to teach literacy and Bible lessons, Vera, together with a translator, began teaching the older girls how to knit. During this time, they talk about everyday life, offering the girls a different perspective on life than the one they see in their families and surroundings. Meetings (women’s gatherings) with the mothers of these children are being planned. Some of them have already attended classes together with their children and know us. Please pray that we may be a blessing to the women as well, and that these meetings would bear fruit for the Kingdom of God. Brother Shukhrat is planning to begin something similar with the adult men.
This ministry is in great need of prayer support. Dedicated helpers are needed—those who would continually pray for awakening among this people and for their salvation. Not just people who pray occasionally. We need prayer warriors who will stand in the gap for this people and for their children.
Could you become such a prayer warrior?
Olga Avetisova
If you have the desire and ability to support this ministry financially, you may do so through this link.
1Uraza is the obligatory strict fast for Muslims during the holy month of Ramadan, requiring abstinence from food, drink, and smoking from dawn until sunset. In 2026, Ramadan will take place from February 19 to March 19, concluding with the celebration of Eid al-Fitr on March 20. The fast is intended for spiritual purification, self-discipline, and strengthening of faith.
