Representatives of American Bible Society are rejoicing over a new openness and support for Bible work in the Muslim-majority nation of Uzbekistan. The country once known for its religious restrictions in Central Asia is now seen as a model for other former Soviet nations.

The government’s participation in several 2018 Bible Society of Uzbekistan events has given the country’s 300,000 Christ followers cause to celebrate. Having worked in this country since the year 2000, American Bible Society has noticed the progress and affirms the government’s steps to provide more freedoms to its Christian population.

Late in 2018, the government joined in the celebration of the 25^th anniversary of the Bible Society of Uzbekistan, which has been serving the church and its people since 1993. As a follow-up to the event, the government held a conference on religious tolerance, inviting speakers from all 16 faith traditions in the country.

The Bible Society was also able to present the first-ever full translation of the Bible in the Uzbek language, the culmination of 25 years of translation work. We rejoice that for the first time, the people of Uzbekistan have the full expression of God’s Word in their mother tongue.

Other recent highlights:

• The government registered three new churches, expanding the opportunity to share God’s Word with the Uzbekistani people. Because so few new registrations have been approved, these approvals were welcomed by the Christian community.
• The government allowed the importation of a total of 10,000 Bibles—5,000 in Uzbek and 5,000 in Russian. With the average Uzbekistani household comprised of five people, these Bibles will touch the lives of many Christian families.
• Bible Society staff was able to take part in an international celebration of the 500^th anniversary of the Christian Reformation.

When viewed as a whole, these activities and new freedoms represent a new beginning for Christ-followers in Uzbekistan. We thank the government for its openness to change, and we pray for the new churches and new believers that are sure to follow.