Marlen and Aselia
Location: Cardiff, Wales
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Missionary Agency: Pioneers
Marlen was called to serve in the area due to the refugee crisis and a vision to reach Muslims for Christ. The nature of Marlen and Aselia’s ministry in the UK could be well-described as a pioneering journey. “First of all,” they shared in a recent ministry update, “the Lord has called us as one of the first national workers sent from Kazakhstan into a global mission field. It is a great privilege and also a huge responsibility. We have been learning a lot what it meant to serve the Lord outside of our home country. Secondly, as people who came from a Muslim background, we have a privilege of connecting with our audience on a common ground. This gives a fast opportunity for ministry in terms of flexibility, building natural relationships and pioneering new approaches in leading people to Christ. There are many things to learn during the next three years of pioneering our life and ministry in Cardiff.”
Marlen and Aselia are originally from Kazakhstan, where they spent most of their lives serving with CRU. They connected with Stonebriar in 2006–2009, while Marlen was studying at Dallas Theological Seminary. In 2016, they received a call to work with Muslim refugees and immigrants in the UK. It took them some time to actualize it, but in May 2018, they finally moved to Cardiff, Wales where they started to do what they believe the Lord has called them to for their new season of life. They have four daughters, three of whom attend boarding school. The eldest is in college.
Hobbies and Interests: Marlen enjoys tennis and other sports.