Afghanistan (MNN) — Human rights activists celebrate a recent move to arrest two senior Taliban leaders for crimes against humanity.

The International Criminal Court says the Taliban’s supreme leader and chief justice implemented policies that amount to gender apartheid. Since reclaiming power in Afghanistan four years ago, the Taliban has removed girls from school and banned women from public life.

“I don’t imagine the Taliban think they’re doing anything other than adhering to their worldview,” Denise Godwin with International Media Ministries says.

“They need to have the light of Christ shown into their hearts to redeem a carnal nature that has shunted aside half of their population.”

Christians in Afghanistan face some of the harshest persecution in the world. The country remains one of the most dangerous places to be a follower of Jesus, largely because Islam is deeply interwoven with Afghan identity and society.

The situation has become even more dire with the Taliban’s resurgence, as the regime’s strict interpretation of Islam allows no room for religious freedom. Despite these dangers, a small underground Church continues to exist, clinging to hope and faith under constant threat.

(Photo courtesy of IMM)

International Media Ministries creates Gospel-centered media in over 70 languages. View current projects here. IMM’s materials help to encourage secret believers in closed countries and introduce the hope of Christ to people in despair.

“I know people working very clandestinely to help Afghanistan, and have mentioned, could we maybe do some of these Women of the Bible stories into some of the languages for Afghanistan? And I’m praying that we can,” Godwin says.

“The women can’t leave their homes, so media is a principal way to get them a message that they are precious in the eyes of God, no matter what the Taliban says.”

Ask the Lord to provide for groups like International Media Ministries that are helping people from a distance.

“Pray and call God’s power into the situation, that there could be escape and freedom for these women, for the people who are lied to by Islam,” Godwin requests.

 

Header image depicts a Taliban member in Kabul circa 2022. (Wikimedia Commons)