Afghanistan (MNN) — Rising tensions in Afghanistan continue to draw global attention, especially amid reports of Taliban abuses.

Yet Greg Kelley of Unknown Nations urges believers to view Afghans through the lens of the Great Commission. Afghanistan is a very Islamic culture, Kelley says, but it is also deeply family- and community-oriented. When one person comes to faith, they often share with trusted friends and relatives. As a result, the Gospel spreads and churches are born.

“There are a lot of strengths to the culture that make the Gospel’s influence advantageous,” he adds.

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Representative photo of Badakhshan, Afghanistan (courtesy of Joel Heard via Unsplash)

Sharing the groundbreaking news of finding a Savior comes at a cost for many believers. Some are shunned by their communities, which often means losing fellowship and work opportunities. This is where ministries like Unknown Nations step in to help bring them back into fellowship.

“What we try to encourage is a discipleship journey in which a new Christian is quickly brought into a community where their faith can be strengthened and grow, because you want to preserve the harvest as well,” says Kelley.

Sometimes rumors of Christian activity reach the Taliban, bringing serious consequences for believers. Yet the weight of knowing Christ and being known by Him often overcomes the fear of arrest or death.

“We need to be reminded again — this is a bold, ferocious church that is not afraid,” adds Kelley.

Despite Taliban persecution, Christians continue sharing the Good News. Pray both for civilians and even militant Afghans. “It’s not an ‘us against them’ kind of a thing,” reminds Kelley. The focus, he says, is on Christ’s work in every person.

“It’s a heart issue, and the only solution to any of it is Jesus — and that’s the body of Christ.”

Unknown Nations focuses on equipping and training local believers who have a burning heart for their nation, including persecutors. Kelley reminds listeners that Paul was once a persecutor of believers as well:

“The trick is that somebody had to be bold and courageous enough to go to that person and share the Gospel.”

Pray for Afghan believers as they disciple others. Pray also for the Gospel to transform more lives throughout the country, bringing the freedom that so many long for.

“We need to pray to the Lord of the harvest to send forth additional laborers into Afghanistan,” urges Kelley.

 

Header photo: Scene from Kabul (Courtesy of Wanman Uthmaniyyah via Unsplash).