Marriage for Tajik Women
In the breathtaking mountains of Central Asia live the Tajik people—an unreached ethnic group, with less than 1% having access to the Gospel. While 99% adhere to Islam, God is stirring hearts across the globe, calling Latino missionaries to bring His light to the Tajiks.
Camila, a young missionary from Costa Rica, is one of them. After serving as part of the mobilization team at Reflejo, she joined the field team in Tajikistan. Filled with excitement, she began her journey to integrate into the culture and build meaningful connections. However, she soon encountered unexpected challenges. The first few months were filled with questions:
How do I navigate the city?
How do I shop for groceries?
How do I make friends?
Each experience highlighted the cultural gap she felt. Despite her enthusiasm, connecting with others seemed out of reach.
Then, God brought Nasima, a 21-year-old Tajik woman who began teaching Camila the Tajik language. During one of their lessons, she shared a deep burden: “I have to get married. My parents say it’s time, but I don’t feel ready,” Nasima confided. She explained the immense pressure Tajik women face. Between the ages of 18-23, they are expected to marry and take on the role of caring for their husband and his family. Often, their parents choose a spouse without consulting their children. If a woman remains unmarried past 24, she risks becoming a second or even third wife. Nasima was terrified, she had no control over the biggest decision of her life.
Camila knew she couldn’t change her situation. She didn’t know what else to do other than pray. She began lifting up Nasima’s future to God, praying for her to find a good husband and experience God’s peace in her life. Over time, Camila, and her classmate gently shared God’s love, testifying how He had been with them through difficult times. One day, they asked Nasima if they could pray for her directly. She agreed, and they prayed for God’s guidance and comfort.
And guess what?
God answered!
“I found a good man,” Nasima shared with a bright smile. “My parents are letting me choose who I will marry.” Her demeanor had completely been transformed. She went from anxious to excited. She had found peace. Before her wedding, she sent Camila a message: “I’m so glad to have met you. You can make others feel calm, even if they spend a short amount of time with you. You changed my life.”
Camila’s experience reflects the challenges and opportunities missionaries face in Tajikistan. Building relationships takes time and patience, but God is faithful.
At the beginning of this year, Camila had a prayer she continuously repeated: “God, help me build relationships with people around me so I can share more of your love and hope with them.”
Now Camila ends the year with saying:
“I thank God because I developed a close relationship with my language teacher. I was able to see her struggles, pray for her, make her feel loved and help her know that her feelings are valid, but there is a God who is here to help us get through difficult times. I was able to show her God’s peace and love. Now she isn’t scared anymore. God has planted a seed, and he will use her testimony to reach others.”