Holding Hope Together: EBF Executive Meeting in Uzbekistan

At the end of March, the EBF Executive Committee gathered in Uzbekistan, in the heart of Central Asia, a place where history, change, and quiet faith meet. What we experienced over those days was more than a meeting; it was a powerful reminder of the living, growing presence of Christ across our region.

Alongside our formal sessions, we listened, learned, and shared life together. We met Union leaders from three nations, connected with Christian organisations serving faithfully in Uzbekistan, and visited local churches whose witness speaks of both perseverance and hope.

In our discussions, we honestly faced the challenges that come with the diversity of our Baptist family. Yet, in that diversity, we were drawn again to our shared calling: “to see every Baptist in Europe, Central Asia and the Middle East united in Christ.” This vision continues to shape and sustain us.

We took meaningful steps forward, establishing a new apprenticeship partnership with IBTS to invest in emerging leaders, and shaping plans for a next-generation development programme. We also looked ahead to our upcoming council and migration conference, and began the process of updating our Statutes in line with developments in the Baptist World Alliance (BWA). Our conversations around the BWA Acts 2 Movement renewed our desire to be a Spirit-led, missional community and will be the focus for our gathering in Albania.

At the heart of our time together was the reality of the war in the Middle East. The absence of our Lebanese colleagues was deeply felt. Yet even in that absence, their presence was with us; in our prayers, in our conversations, and in our commitment to stand alongside them. We were strengthened by hearing firsthand reports from our President online, and united in affirming the launch of our Middle East appeal, “for everyone in need.” In the midst of suffering, we see resilience, and we are reminded that we belong to one body.

Our hosts, the Baptist Union in Uzbekistan, welcomed us with extraordinary generosity. Through them, we glimpsed a church navigating change with courage. We heard encouraging signs of increasing freedom for registered churches, a growing openness to faith, and a renewed confidence in sharing the Gospel.

At the same time, the story of the church here is one of endurance. Following years of persecution that led many to leave, today baptist communities are rebuilding, investing in leadership, theological education, and ministries among young people and the deaf. As the Uzbek language shifts from Cyrillic to Latin script, even Bible translation becomes part of this wider story of renewal. Despite challenges, there is a quiet determination: the church is not only surviving, but slowly finding its voice again.

We were also deeply encouraged by time spent with brothers in Christ from Tajikistan and Georgia, whose stories reminded us that God is at work in every context, often in unseen but powerful ways. Together, we explored how we might walk more closely alongside the Euro-Asiatic region, offering support through our Mission Partnership programme and training in Freedom of Religion and Belief in partnership with IBTS.

We left Uzbekistan grateful, challenged, and inspired. Above all, we were reminded that across nations, cultures, and circumstances, we are one in Christ and together, we continue to bear witness to His hope in our world.

https://video.wixstatic.com/video/409df4_9bd52b2a9bfc4bc1a26e935be0aa4de5/360p/mp4/file.mp4

Little video flashback of the week