Vision Kyrgyzstan

Zhenya grew up in Bishkek with his grandmother and great-grandparents. His father died when he was a child, and his mother struggled with alcoholism. At 16, tired of pain and hopelessness, he enrolled in an online Islamic academy, searching for discipline and meaning. For three years he juggled working as a cook with studying Islamic scripture, but the emptiness persisted. In 2021, God met him unexpectedly at a youth evangelism camp in Karakol. He heard the Gospel for the first time, and his heart came alive. Today he serves at Word of Life Church, studies early childhood education, and manages VIAC’s programmes. “I now know my calling is to shepherd the young people of Kyrgyzstan so they too can find their identity in Christ.”

Rustam grew up in very difficult circumstances. His parents divorced when he was seven, and he’s been working since then to help his mother. He joined VIAC after seeing us on Instagram. At first he was painfully shy—but over time, he became one of the most active students in the volunteer programme. Now he leads a sports club once a month for younger kids.

Amina is the oldest of four children. Her mother married at sixteen; her father emigrated to Russia. Her mother works at a bathhouse in the evenings while Amina cares for her siblings. When she first came to VIAC, she was extremely anxious and wouldn’t play with the other children. Over time, she began joining in—laughing, playing, making friends. She dreams of becoming a businesswoman with her own store.

Roza is the oldest of four children. Her family’s house was foreclosed; her father left for Russia. She dropped out of school and worked as a hairdressing assistant, experiencing depression and questioning her worth. When she was invited to the volunteer programme, she didn’t speak for the first few weeks. Now she has friends, skills, and is working to go back to school. “Definitely you saved me,” she told us.

Nurman lives in Karakol with his single mother, who earns about $155 a month as a daycare aide. He struggled at school—poor grades, bullying from classmates. When he joined Friends Club in September 2025, he hid in his phone and wouldn’t interact. Over six months, he gradually opened up through the safe, accepting environment. He now participates eagerly and has made his first close friend. “I like it here better than at home,” he says—not criticising his mother, but showing how much the centre means to him.

Karina’s older brother left for Turkey to work; both parents are also away. She suffered from school bullying and low self-esteem, changing schools after persistent harassment. She heard about VIAC through an acquaintance and came hesitantly. After a month, she began attending English and Korean classes and built a friendship with staff member Emima. On Christmas Eve, her mother visited the centre with a cake to thank the team for the changes in her daughter’s life.