By Eddie Broussard
In Central Asia, pioneering the Gospel means serving in a place where the soil is hard, in cultures that are not welcoming to the message of Christ. Folk Islam shapes the spiritual climate here, weaving centuries of tradition, superstition, and cultural practice into everyday life. In the midst of these realities, God is forming fledgling missional communities: living, relational networks of believers and seekers shaped and bound together by kingdom values, hope for a transformed life, deepening in love for one another, and committed to advancing the Gospel.
Recently, I connected with veteran pioneers John and Erin*, who serve in one of these countries. They spoke candidly about what they are learning as they trust God to build communities that are truly missional in a pioneering context.
Join Them in Their Family Network
“We are seeing God move in family and relational networks,” John and Erin said. “It’s how the gospel is flowing naturally. One key truth we have learned is not to extract people from their family context, even when it is difficult because of their faith. If at all possible, we want to join them in their family network.”
Remaining in that context allows the Gospel’s transforming power to be seen over time. At first, families may be angry or suspicious, but as they witness genuine change, attitudes often soften. Some even begin reading the Scriptures themselves, motivated by what they see in the believer’s life.
Read the Scriptures Together
The couple make it a priority to read God’s Word whenever they are with others, even over a simple meal. They encourage families to do the same in their own gatherings. One woman, Iroda, told them, “The Gospel has transformed our family.” She described how birthdays and holidays once centered on food and old stories. “Now,” she said, “we always read God’s Word, share our struggles, and pray for each other in Jesus’ name. Even those in our family who are not yet followers of Jesus are learning about Him as we share how He is at work in our lives.”
Live Authentically
“When we engage with family networks, it is much more difficult to wear a mask,” they explained. In a culture where people often avoid conflict and hold grudges, humility and forgiveness stand out. “The transforming power of the Gospel is on display,” they said. In one network, the Gospel has now moved into the third generation beyond the pioneering team—four generations if you include the team itself.
Read the Old Testament with Seekers
Old Testament narratives often provide bridges for people to understand God’s redemptive nature. Some have read Genesis many times and continue to find fresh truths with each reading. “The Word of God is living and active,” John and Erin reflected, “and we see it change people’s understanding of who He is.”
These lessons are being learned in the midst of ongoing realities. In this culture, people can wear “masks” (do roo—literally “two-faced”), saying what they think will be well received. Building trust takes time. There is also a pull toward Western ministry forms that don’t always fit the local culture or foster disciple-making. Because the work is still young, the way forward is often unclear, they are driven deeper into persevering prayer. And with only two Old Testament books available in the local heart language, every verse of Scripture becomes even more precious.
Yet these challenges are not just obstacles—they are opportunities. They keep the work dependent on God’s promises rather than human strength. They encourage creativity in finding local expressions of ministry that fit the culture. They remind us to celebrate small but significant moments: a family reading the Bible together for the first time, a believer seeking forgiveness, a seeker asking honest questions after hearing God’s Word.
“This is not a quick work,” John and Erin shared. “It’s long-term, it’s relational, and it’s dependent on the Spirit of God to change hearts. But we are seeing Him do it.”
God is at work here. Lives are being transformed, relationships are being restored, and the Gospel is moving forward in places where it is least expected. Each step—whether in Central Asia or anywhere else in the world—is part of His larger plan to fill the earth with His glory, until people from every tribe and tongue worship before His throne. And sustained growth of the Gospel will become a reality when communities of believers are growing together in faith, hope, and love, worshiping their King, and carrying the Good News of the Kingdom to those around them.
*Names have been changed for security.
