They have been serving with their family in the city of Taraz for more than 20 years now. In those 20 years, they have experienced a lot of persecution from various sides. The years 2009-2012 were especially difficult as the church and Pastor Yerzhan were attacked by the Supreme Court. However, by God’s power and grace, Pastor Yerzhan and the church were acquitted by the Supreme Court in 2012.

A law that came into force in September 2011 restricts religious freedom in the country. The Kazakh government is using the threat posed by Islam to exert stricter control over society. This control manifests itself through increased surveillance, raids during gatherings and arrests. The main burden of state persecution is borne by local Christians with a Muslim background, both through state measures and through problems in the family and social environment.