Afghanistan (MNN) — August marks five years since Afghanistan fell under Taliban control.

The terrorists captured 26 provincial capitals in ten days before rolling into Kabul, leading then-President Ashraf Ghani to flee the country. By the end of August 2021, the last United States troops had withdrawn, leaving Afghanistan under Taliban rule.

A U.S. Air Force security forces raven, assigned to the 816th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, maintains security aboard a U.S. Air Force C-17 Globemaster III aircraft in support of the Afghanistan evacuation at Hamid Karzai International Airport (HKIA), Afghanistan, Aug. 24, 2021. (U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Donald R. Allen)

Since then, human rights have been in freefall. “Women and girls have been barred from secondary schools and universities,” FMI’s Nehemiah says.

“Many women have been prohibited from working. Strict dress codes have been enforced, and peaceful protests have been suppressed.”

Women aren’t the only ones suffering. “Journalists and civil society organizations face increasing censorship, and access to information continues to shrink,” Nehemiah says.

“Humanitarian organizations are also finding it increasingly difficult to operate under growing restrictions.”

Gospel growth despite danger

Religious freedom in Afghanistan is virtually nonexistent under Taliban rule. Christians and converts from Islam face extreme danger because conversion can be treated as apostasy. Afghan Christians worship secretly and conceal their faith even from relatives and neighbors.

Openly identifying as a Christian can lead to detention or death. Yet the Lord’s work continues.

“Through our local ministry partners, we have distributed more than 5,000 audio Storyteller devices throughout Afghanistan” during the past several years, Nehemiah says.

“These devices are pre-loaded with Bible stories and Christ-centered messages in Dari and Pashto, allowing people to listen in their own language without internet access.”

Find your place in the story

In Afghanistan, openly identifying as a Christian can lead to detention or death. Yet the Lord’s work continues.
(Photo courtesy FMI)

Afghan church planters partnering with FMI bravely share the Gospel despite Taliban manhunts. Your financial support strengthens their efforts. Donations and grants allow FMI to operate safe houses for persecuted Afghan believers and offer discipleship training.

Most importantly, pray. Use the prompts listed alongside this article to guide your intercession.

“Throughout history, the Lord has continued to open doors, even in places where, humanly speaking, there seems to be no way,” Nehemiah says.

“We remain committed to equipping local believers with resources that help them grow in their faith and quietly share the hope of Christ with others.”

 

Header and story images courtesy of FMI.