- The attack caused extensive damage to Baptist Church in Kaji-Say in Kyrgyzstan
- But the flames stopped just short of a Bible on the altar, Christians have claimed
- Activists in country’s north east have described the incident as ‘an amazing sign’
Christians say they have seen a ‘sign from God’ after a church was firebombed in Kyrgyzstan – only for the flames to stop just short of an open Bible.
The Evangelical Christian Baptist Church in Kaji-Say, on the south shore of Lake Issyk Kul in the country’s north east, was left with extensive damage after being doused with petrol and set on fire.
But flames engulfing the empty building in the early hours of January 3 went out just before reaching an open copy of the Bible on the altar – despite having burnt the altar cloth, it has been claimed.
Christians say they have seen a ‘sign from God’ after a church was firebombed in Kyrgyzstan – only for the flames to stop just short of an open Bible. A photo has since emerged showing how the book apparently escaped any fire damage
A photo has since emerged showing how the book apparently escaped any fire damage.
The blaze ripped through the building at about 1.30am, according to UK-based Release International, which monitors and reports persecution of Christians around the world.
A member of Operation Mark, a partner of the group in Kyrgyzstan, described the incident as ‘an amazing sign’ adding that ‘there is no doubt the church in Kyrgyzstan will survive – and continue to preach the gospel.’
The blaze ripped through the building (pictured) at about 1.30am, according to UK-based Release International, which monitors and reports persecution of Christians around the world
The group claimed that the attack was carried out by Muslim militants in the area – apparently in revenge for the church having carried out a series of local outreach meetings.
Firemen who tackled the flames and later found several bottles of petrol which had failed to ignite.
There were no reported injuries.