A woman holds her son during a Nowruz festival in Western Europe. Nowruz, the Persian New Year, showcases the rich cultural tapestry of Central Asian communities. Families traveled long distances through perilous environments to find safe harbors in European countries. Many women, like Anahita, experienced multiple levels of trauma on the journey. IMB Photo

Women link arms as they walk in a parade for Nowruz, a festival marking the Persian New Year. This festival holds deep significance for them, symbolizing renewal, hope and resistance against oppression — a theme that resonates strongly among Central Asians, given their history of struggle for autonomy. Fresta Aziz ministers to refugee women from Central Asia, many of whom experienced trauma in their journey to Europe. Freshta shares the hope that’s found in God and the strength the Lord gives to His people. IMB Photo

A couple pause from participating in Nowruz celebrations to pose for a photo. Many people who attend festivities wear intricately patterned scarves, and others wear flags draped around their shoulders. Many Central Asian communities around the world celebrate Nowruz, the Persian New Year, which marks the vernal equinox and is celebrated around March 20 or 21 in Western Europe. IMB Photo

A young boy poses for a photo during the Nowruz festival in a Western European country. Nowruz is a 3,000-year-old festival rooted in Zoroastrian tradition. It is a time for family gatherings, feasting, dancing and renewal. IMB Photo

Freshta Aziz, an IMB missionary to Central Asian refugees in Western Europe, shares about the light of the gospel using crafts centered on candles. Freshta said most of the refugee women are ignored and unacknowledged by their society and families. Many are also deeply hurt by the abuse of their husbands. To compound the trauma, women suffered greatly on their journey to Europe. Freshta provides a listening ear and a message of hope and healing. Freshta also uses her background in nursing to help and counsel the women. IMB Photo

Nawid Aziz prays for the Central Asians refugees he ministers among. Nawid is an IMB missionary serving in Western Europe. Nawid disciples and teaches Christian doctrine to Muslim background believers, people who were once Muslim but now follow Jesus. Most of the new believers made decisions of faith in refugee camps in Europe. Nawid estimates 70% of their ministry is focused on former Muslims and 30% on refugees who are not Christians. The Azizes are well-received by these refugees because they can speak their language and understand their culture. IMB Photo