Reaching youth in Kazakhstan.
In southern Kazakhstan, Shakir and his wife Nadezhda live with their young daughter and are fully committed to ministering in a spiritually challenging region.
Born in Uzbekistan, Shakir was raised in a Christian home, but during his youth strayed far from his faith. Caught in a lifestyle of drinking and drugs, he nearly lost his life on more than one occasion. After years of drifting, Shakir returned to God, even committing himself to ministry and accepting a call to undertake theological study.

Shakir gained more than knowledge as he studied, because it was at Bible college that he met Nadezhda. After marrying and graduating, they returned to Shakir’s hometown to begin serving together/ Today, Shakir assists his pastor, travels to minister in three local churches, and teaches Bible studies in nearby villages. Shakir and Nadezhda also help lead outreach among youth and children in the area. Up until the birth of their child, the couple were involved with youth ministry in a handful of remote villages, travelling many miles each week.
This young couple face numerous challenges: rising rent costs, pressure from surrounding Islamic communities, and the day–to–day strain of ministry with limited resources. At one point, they had to abruptly leave their apartment whilst in the midst Christmas outreach efforts, moving in with Shakir’s parents.
Along with friends from Bible college, the couple were involved in several youth conferences across the region late last year. It was a great encouragement to them that 93 people attend the event in their region, and they were overjoyed when 30 chose to accept Jesus as their Saviour! Praise God for this couple’s ministry, and join us in praying the Lord’s blessing on them as they continue to serve Him!
Shakir & Nadezhda are supported through the Challenge 25 Appeal.