WHY CENTRAL ASIA?
Central Asia consists of five former Soviet republics that became independent countries in 1991. It is made up of numerous Muslim ethnic groups speaking various Turkic and Persian languages. But Russian is still the first language of the majority of the two hundred million people living there. We are planning to work with students at a number of universities in one of the major cities. We will be testing the viability of a long-term plan to reach the young, upcoming leaders of the many unreached people groups in this strategic area.
JOIN US!
The largest private university in Central Asia invites you to come and study or teach as a way to reach the 40+ unreached people groups of this region. Uzbeks, Tajiks, Tatars, Kirghiz, Bashkirs, Cherkess, Chechens, and more.
PRAY FOR THE TEAM
Softening of hearts to Jesus
Eyes and ears open to receive the truth of the gospel
Submission of their lives to Christ
Message of the Good News clearly understood
God to be seen as loving and relational
Encouragement for the believers and church in Central Asia
God to prepare all of us in His word and in sharing the gospel
God to give us boldness and confidence during the trip
Unity in Christ as we reach out to those in Central Asia
Good health as we travel
Protection from harm and the evil one
Meet the Team
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R&M
R&M are on their fourth missionary journey - this time to a country in Central Asia
SUPPORT THE TEAM -
M&M
M&M are team leaders alongside Rod and Margi. They are currently onboarding with East West and raising financial support. We would love for you to prayerfully consider partnering with them as they continue God’s work. They are involved in hosting Sunday gatherings and seeing God work through His people, leading and discipling a team of young adults, engaging in evangelism and discipleship with university students and local believers, and working at the largest private university in Central Asia–helping contextualize its culture and education for western institutions. READ MORE…
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Ben
Hello my name is Ben Gavlik and I am 22 years old. I just recently got out of the Navy where I was working on an aircraft carrier as a nuclear mechanic. This last November I moved up to Beaverton for a new job, and started at SWBIBLE. I am so blessed by the Lord that I have been given an opportunity to go serve Him through missions overseas. Please pray for me and our team that He would strengthen us and allow us to do all things in His will. Thank you!
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Chuka
My name is Chuka. Throughout my life, numerous people have planted seeds in me about who Jesus is, and why I should accept Him into my life. It wasn’t until about two years ago that I finally accepted Jesus into my life. In the midst of my worldly pursuits, God revealed to me that only He could fulfill the void in my heart. I express immense gratitude daily for the relationship I have with the Lord and for the sin He saved me from. I am excited about this opportunity in Central Asia because I truly believe God has opened a door for me to do His work. He has called me to be a part of an amazing team, and I am eager to see how He will use us to accomplish His will.
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Zach
Hello! My name is Zach Cook. I was born and raised in the Pacific Northwest and am a big fan of the natural beauty it has to offer, as well as the abundant coffee! In my free time you’ll probably find me outdoors exploring with friends. I love trying new things and new places which brought me to Washington for a year and then the East Coast before returning to the Beaverton area, where God has been growing me in so many ways through his Word and SW Bible Church.
I love sharing the Gospel and have enjoyed serving the Middle School and Young Adults groups at SW Bible.
My plan is to serve God overseas, and I am excited to be a part the team going to Central Asia in August.
I’m really looking forward to serving and encouraging God’s church around the world on this trip to Central Asia, and I am praying that God is glorified through it!
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Madi
Hi! I’m Madi. I graduated from George Fox university in 2022 with a Bachelors in art. After graduating I was surprised to feel called to spread the gospel globally for God. I had never been very open about my faith, but I felt the Lord pushing me to grow. I started with the people I knew here in Oregon. I helped with the high school youth group here at SWBIBLE and loved it. I also tried to be more open with my coworkers and have conversations with nonbelievers.
The Lord didn’t provide an opportunity to leave right away, but once the Central Asia trip came to my attention, I realized it was what God was leading me to. I had never been so far from home or for so long. It felt like a big commitment, but God had prepared my heart to be ready.
I was able to go to Central Asia on the 2023-24 trip with an amazing team. I learned so much about sharing my faith, working with a godly team, and about the Bible itself. It was such an encouragement to be able to meet with people and really focus on talking about Jesus! I was guided by the team leaders Rod and Margi and sharpened by my peers through those 9 months. But probably the most amazing blessing was seeing people come to Christ as well as being there to encourage the growth in new believers.
But my work there is not done yet! I’m so happy that the Lord has called me to represent Him another year in Central Asia. I am excited to see my friends again and see even more wild grace and blessing from the Lord.
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Robert