OPINION:
Thursday, August 15, will mark the three-year anniversary of the Taliban’s takeover of Afghanistan. That night, Taliban fighters swept into Kabul, the last step to their complete military control of the country. By the end of the month, the nation’s conversion into an Islamic emirate ruled by the Taliban was made official. Since then, the Taliban’s rule has devastated the lives of Afghans, specifically women, children and religious minorities, including Christians. Right now, it has never been more dangerous to be a Christian in Afghanistan.
Over the last three years, vulnerable minority groups have suffered crushing violence. Our contacts inside and outside the country report that many believers have been tortured and murdered for their faith. If an Afghan Christian’s faith is discovered, it can be a death sentence, or they can be detained and tortured into revealing the identities of fellow believers. In this Middle Eastern country, there is no room for religious freedom within the surrounding society and family structure, which means Christians must keep their faith secret, or they may simply disappear.
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Moreover, as far as the Taliban is concerned, there are no Christians in Afghanistan. Most house churches that existed before the 2021 takeover (even hidden ones) have been forced to close, with believers fleeing or going even further underground. There is a reason why Afghanistan is No. 10 on Open Doors’ 2024 World Watch List — our annual ranking of the top 50 countries where it’s most difficult to live as a Christian.
An Islamic regime
When the Taliban first came to power, they pledged to recognize more freedoms than in the past. But that hasn’t happened. Over the last three years, many of the basic social rights that Afghans had come to know before the takeover, higher education and job opportunities for women, enhanced journalism en route to a free press and growth potential for religious minorities (i.e. Christians) in evangelistic efforts and discipleship, were suddenly halted.
Still, even in these difficult conditions, a remnant of Christians remain. While they have even fewer chances of fellowship than before, these faithful Christians — most of whom have converted from Islam— continue to practice their faith in secret. They know they have been called by Jesus to stay and build the church in their homeland.
Khada (not her real name) is a Christian still living in Afghanistan. She and her husband converted from Islam when a co-worker gave her a Bible. They read it together and after much discussion chose to follow Jesus and tell others about Him. Tragically, her husband lost his life for it. One night he went missing and two days later his body was found, bearing signs of torture.
Khada recently shared her story with us and said, “I continue to be a servant of Christ, following His example of humility and greatness. In the difficult Taliban regime, we face challenges, but with strong faith, we persevere.”
Hope in the midst of devastation
Believers like Khada remain a light of hope in the darkness for the people of Afghanistan. Not only do they risk their lives to share the gospel with others, they also faithfully pray for their own people, enemies and nation, knowing that God alone is able to move in the hearts of individuals, including the Taliban, to transform their nation. Like the early church, Afghan believers have been scattered, beaten down, hunted and martyred for their faith. Yet, also like the early church, they have weighed the cost. They have chosen to pursue Christ, following the guidance of the Holy Spirit as they continue to pray for opportunities to share the gospel.
Lifting up our Afghan brothers and sisters in Christ
What can you and I do in this difficult situation? As Christians, we must pray and continue to lift up Christians in the nation of Afghanistan. As we intercede on their behalf, let’s commit to pray that these secret believers will be divinely protected from harm and filled with hope, as they sense the prayers of the worldwide church. Likewise, we must also pray for Taliban leaders and other extremists, that God would touch their hearts in miraculous ways, revealing the truth of Jesus to every person who opposes Him. Finally, remember Afghan refugees in camps and other nations where it’s still difficult to follow Jesus. Pray they would find community. Pray that wherever they now live, that country would allow refugees to work, attend school and worship freely.
As the gospel works in and through these faithful believers and as we pray with them, we are also empowered, learning from their example. While another year has passed without relief for our Afghan brothers and sisters, we know that God holds His people in the palm of His hand, and that He is the one who is writing the story. As His praying people, we are used by Him to bring comfort, strength and peace. Although Afghan Christians have suffered deeply for their faith over the last three years with no real relief in sight, with the support of the worldwide Church and by God’s grace, the church of Afghanistan will prevail in Christ —no matter what.
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Ryan Brown serves as president and CEO of Open Doors US, one of 25 national Open Doors International (ODI) bases located around the world. Founded in 1955, Open Doors has continued to serve persecuted Christians in more than 70 countries, and is known for its annual World Watch List, the ranking of the top 50 countries where Christians face the most extreme persecution.
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