2000 years ago, the ancient transcontinental Silk Road linked the Roman Empire in the West to the Chinese Imperial Court in the East. It wasn’t one road, as the name implies, but instead a series of routes that developed over hundreds of years.

One of the earliest exports from China was an astonishing material. The strongest known natural fabric, light as air and almost see-through: silk. This and many other commodities that the camel caravans carried symbolized the mystique of the Orient.

Today, when we think of this part of the world, we speak of the Turkic world. It refers to Turkic-speaking people from Turkey to northwest China. The Persian world, stretching from eastern Turkey through Iran to Tajikistan, makes up the southern part of the Silk Road.

In this part of the world, few have an opportunity to hear about and understand Jesus Christ in ways that make sense to them. Over the last few years a new openness and opportunity has dawned to love people from this part of the world to Christ. What a privilege to be involved with other Christian groups, to see pinpoints of light across these nations. We must not be slow to respond while the window of opportunity remains open.

How you can pray:   1)  Pray for our present teams and for new teams who are ready to be extensions of our love to these people. 2)  Pray that our teams will be filled with the love and presence of Christ, eloquently articulating by deed and word, this message of hope. 3)  The fledgling churches amongst these peoples need our prayers; that they will grow in favour with God and people. 4)  Pray that the church leaders will become excellent shepherds of their flocks. 5)  Pray that there will be continued fruitful networking among outside agencies.