"Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ." (Galatians 6:2)
Even with the restraining force of a U.S. military presence, Afghanistan was listed by Open Doors as a land where “persecution is only very slightly less oppressive than in North Korea.” Christian converts faced dire consequences if their new faith was discovered. As Open Doors notes, they either had to flee the country or they would be killed. “How we survive daily only God knows,” says one secret Afghan believer. “He knows because he has been kind to dwell with us. But we are tired of all the death around us.”Today, as U.S. troops rapidly exit the country, followers of Christ in Afghanistan have become even more exposed to persecution. Girls and women will also suffer, as will those who helped Western forces for the past 20 years. We need to diligently pray for these vulnerable populations, and ask that God will protect them from the suffering to come.
Christians in the West should also pray for the spiritual provision of ministers and missionaries in the country. “Every church leader who has emailed or texted me has asked that we would pray for the Lord to strengthen them in their faith—that they would ‘stay strong in the Lord, who is the Sovereign King,’ as one put it,” says Josh Manley.
Also, please pray for those who are sick in Afghanistan - that health care will not be interrupted or withheld during this time of upheaval.
Finally, pray for the Taliban. God can transform any heart and His desire is to see all people saved and part of His Kingdom. Pray for miraculous works of His Spirit to protect and advance His Kingdom during these days of terrible persecution.
"Pray hard and long. Pray for your brothers and sisters. Keep your eyes open. Keep each other's spirits up so that no one falls behind or drops out." (Ephesians 6:18)
