The ministry to Mugata-children has come to a halt. The authorities left Pastor Shukhrat alone after finding no violations in his actions, but the mullah from the Mugata settlement and those aligned with him are doing everything they can to discourage parents from allowing their children to meet with Christians.
Yet the well-known saying, “When God closes a door, He opens a window somewhere else,” proved true once again. That “window” became the sewing ministry for Mugata women that had already been started earlier. Sister Vera shares about her recent trip and the classes with the women:
“We gathered with the women for two days. During previous meetings, we taught the women how to use sewing machines and sew bed sheets, duvet covers, and pillowcases. During the latest classes, we worked on dress patterns and began cutting fabric.
Unfortunately, three young women who had attended the previous lessons did not come this time — under pressure from the mullah, their mothers would not allow them to attend. This time Aziza and several of her relatives came, five women in total.
Some of them are learning with great enthusiasm. Others, following certain gypsies’ habits, are looking for personal gain in this work. One of them told me, ‘I want this kind of fabric, this kind of trim, and this style.’ I explained that for now they would sew using the material I had purchased. If she wanted something different, she would need to buy the necessary materials herself, and we would help her sew it. But she replied that she had no money to buy them.
‘But I don’t have money either,’ I answered. ‘I’m a pensioner and cannot fulfill your order.’
She was a little offended at first, but later calmed down.
This time the women also brought along their younger children and grandchildren — twelve little ones, mostly preschool-aged. I had to entertain them by building houses and towers out of Lego blocks. I could not communicate much with them because there was no translator. Next time I plan to find someone to help so that I can not only entertain the children and give the women an opportunity to learn, but also use this time for meaningful interaction with the children.”
Meanwhile, the sisters leading the sewing classes did not waste any time. They taught the women how to take measurements and make patterns while also talking with them. They spoke about life, their struggles, God, and His involvement in their lives. It was evident how interested the women were and how deeply these conversations resonated with them. Perhaps this is how the ministry among the Mugata should have begun from the start — by working with adults, helping them in their difficult lives, and testifying to them about something they had never heard and never even imagined: that there is Someone who loves them and cares deeply about their lives, their struggles, and their eternal destiny.
Pastor Shukhrat continues to visit the settlement every Sunday, meeting over tea with adult Mugata who already know much about God, and also reminding their children and grandchildren of what they learned in Sunday school.
Please pray:
- That more people would join this ministry to serve the Mugata people.
- That God would give Sister Vera wisdom as she continues working with the little children.
- That the Mugata women would not lose heart in learning to sew.
- For the mullah and other opponents of the Gospel — for their repentance and salvation.
- For health, wisdom, and the guidance of the Holy Spirit for Pastor Shukhrat and the other church workers as they seek how best to continue ministering to the Mugata people.
Olga Avetisova
