(TAH-jeeks) – “For we do not want you to be unaware, brothers, of the affliction we experienced in Asia. For we were so utterly burdened beyond our strength that we despaired of life itself. Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead” (2 Corinthians 1:8-9 ESV). Many believers in Tajikistan similarly feel burdened by persecution, trials, and the weight of their work in God’s kingdom. Summers in Tajikistan can bring additional physical difficulties, such as extreme heat, drought, and power outages. Please pray for the strength and perseverance of believers and leaders in Tajikistan, and ask that through their situations, they will see how much hope and life God offers those who rely on Him. Give thanks to God that we can find greater intimacy with Him through struggles and that we have a Savior who raises the dead.