Dear Friend,
In his teachings on the Bible, Derek Prince often asked thought-provoking questions. One of these, Does your tongue need healing? became the title of one of his most powerful books.
When Alisher* (a believer in Tajikistan who came from a Muslim background) read this book, it ignited a radical change in his life. Alisher’s experience as a former Muslim is similar to many Christians in this former Soviet nation. In a culture where curses are deeply ingrained in daily life, God is using Derek’s material to open doors to life and freedom in Christ – to Christians and Muslims alike.
But it started with a simple prayer.
“Can You open the door…?”
Last year, God placed a burden for Tajikistan on the heart of Vazgen, our Outreach Director in the Caucasus and Former Soviet Republics. “I had never been to Tajikistan,” Vazgen said, “and our ministry didn’t have any contacts there. Nonetheless, I started praying: ‘Lord, can You open a door to this country?’ And the Lord answered my prayer.”
Tajikistan, with over 10 million people and only about 63,000 Christians, is a nation where the light of the Gospel persists in the midst of severe oppression. This nation holds the highest percentage of Muslims in the region, and the government puts significant pressure on all non-state-sanctioned religious groups. The few churches allowed by the state are mostly Orthodox, and many of them are lacking true knowledge of Jesus the Saviour.
Indigenous Christians, particularly those from Muslim backgrounds, face severe persecution from their families, the broader community, and the state. Laws restrict religious activities for those under 18 and penalize underground religious education, making it nearly impossible for the younger generation to learn about Jesus. There is a huge need to reach out to these young people.
A Divine Appointment
Just days after Vazgen started praying for the country, he received an invitation from a person in Tajikistan. A translator, who loved Derek Prince’s teachings but only had access to them in Russian, had been praying for an opportunity to translate Derek’s books into Tajik.
This divine connection prompted the translation of Does Your Tongue Need Healing? into Tajik. Choosing this title was a deliberate choice, as it appeals both to Christians and Muslims.
“This book is about the power of our words and the spiritual impact they can have,” Vazgen said. “Our own words, as well as the words spoken to us by authority figures such as parents, teachers, or religious leaders, can bring a curse over our lives. In Muslim countries, this is a big issue. People experience the negative power of curses, but they don’t know how to be released from its effects.”
Opening Doors Through Translation
The translation of Does Your Tongue Need Healing? brought immense excitement to the underground church in Tajikistan. It has also inspired them to reach out to Tajik people even beyond their borders, including the hundreds of thousands living in northern Afghanistan.
Alisher is one of those whose life was deeply impacted:
“Derek Prince’s book helped me a lot. Curses are very common in our culture. People use such words every day without realizing their destructive effects.
“Derek Prince helped me understand that my tongue has the power of life and death. After reading his book, my vocabulary has changed radically. Instead of cursing, I am now blessing others. As a deliberate step, I’m speaking words of gratitude and thankfulness. The change this has brought is immense. Thank you for making this book available in my native language.”
The Urgent Need
The situation in Tajikistan is not unique. The rise of Islam and the remnants of Soviet atheism have left a spiritual void in the Former Soviet Republics. In countries like Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, and regions in Russia, Islam is flooding into this void, making it increasingly difficult for Christians to live out their faith.
What can be done about this? Together, you and I can ensure that the light of Christ shines brighter and brighter in the Former Soviet Republics, including countries like Azerbaijan, Belarus, Armenia, Russia, and Uzbekistan. Your support can change lives.
How You Can Open the Door:
1. Open the Door to God’s Love - R890:
Your gift of R890 will help us translate more of Derek Prince's books into local languages, providing care and teaching to those who need it most.
2. Open the Door to Hope - R1700:
Your donation of R1700 will help to create a secure online presence that can encourage their hearts through Derek’s life-changing teachings.
3. Open the Door to Healing - R4400:
Your contribution of R4400 will provide training resources to underground church leaders in former Soviet countries and the Caucasus, equipping them to minister life, healing, and freedom.
Your Impact
By partnering with us, you play a vital role in sharing the light of Christ in these spiritually dark regions. Your generous donation will translate more books, create online resources, and strengthen the underground church. For countless people in Tajikistan and beyond, your help and support will open the door to love, hope, and healing—and ultimately, to Jesus Himself.
Please give now to help bring the life-changing power of the Gospel to those in need.
*Name and image changed to protect identity.
