Eid al-Adha, the Festival of Sacrifice, which was observed in late May, is one of the most important religious holidays in Tajikistan. It celebrates when Abraham was willing to sacrifice his son, but then God provided a ram caught in a bush. God Himself provided the sacrifice needed for sin. However, the Afghan population in the country misses the true and deeper meaning of this act and how it points to our need of a Savior. Sin is costly, and “the wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23 ESV). Please pray that local believers will have a deep burden to tell of the One who has taken our sin and shame and paid the penalty of sin for us. Ask God to continue to strengthen their faith, trust, and abiding in Him as they continue to face much afflictions, trials, and persecution.