Source:         www.MNNonline.org

Date:            April 28, 2008

Kazakhstan (MNN) -- The lower chamber of Kazakhstan's parliament has passed new legislation that would severely restrict religious freedom. President of the Kazakh Union of Evangelical Christians-Baptists Franz Tissen says the bill establishes missionary quotas, restricts spiritual literature distribution, prohibits kids under 18 from attending religious activities and more. Slavic Gospel Association's Joel Griffith believes he knows why it's happening. "In the mindset in some of the culture and some of the leadership, they often will see protestant or evangelical communities or foreign missionaries as western agents, which really isn't the case." The legislation still has to be acted on by the upper chamber and the president. Whatever happens, Griffith says, "We know that our God is sovereign. He's promised in His Word that He will continue to build His church, and His purposes will not be thwarted. And I have no doubt in my mind that Kazakh churches are going to continue to proclaim the Gospel." Pray that the president will not sign the bill into law.

Full story: http://www.MNNonline.org/article/11165