"Our hearts are broken. We knew this could happen. We are not surprised but this does not make the pain any less." These are the words of Open Doors Field Director for Asia, Brother Samuel as he descrives the retaking of Afghanistan by the Taliban over the weekend.
The frenzy of fear among the people is terrifying. There are long lines at banks and people try to withdraw money, and planes departing the Kabul airport have had people cling to them as they taxi on the runway.
Though the Taliban promises a more modern and reformed approach to government, many fear they will impose their brutal interpretation of Shariah law in the days to come.
"Secret believers in Afganistan are especially vunerable," Brother Samuel says. "Prior to Taliban rule, they already had a very difficult time living out their faith, as they had to keep it secret from their families for fear of being shunned, or worse, killed. Now that the Taliban is in power, their vulnerability increases 10 fold. It would be almost impossible to be a follower of Jesus in this country. We are monitoring the situation, but this is the time for us to ask God to have mercy not only on His people, but on this country as a whole."
With the collapse of the government, the expansion of extremism , food shortages anmd the raging pandemic, Afghanistan needs urgent prayer from the worldwide Church right now, more than ever.
Please pray for the small group of believers in the country. They are walking on eggshells and are uncertain who to trust. Pray that they find strength, wisdom and supernatural peace in God's promises.
Pray for the displaced. A new wave of refugees is expected to come from Afghanistan to many parts of the Middle East and the rest of the world. Pray forGod's protection over them and provision in their journeys.
Pray for women. Many women fear the Taliban rule means they will be stripped of opportunities for education. Women involved in education during the past years could also be at risk - pray for their protection.
Pray for the sick. Though underreported in international media, CO
VID 19 cases are spiking in the country and hospitals are limited in what they can offer. There is no certainty as to how the healthcare system will be able to substain itslef with the new Taliban government. Pray that the healthcare system will not collapse.
PRay that the country will not be a haven for extremists. The Taliban government of 20 years ago are known enablers of extremist Islamic organisations. With their newfound control over Afghanistan, the country could be host to a new generation of terror groups.
Thanks for praying. from an Open Doors USA text alert.
The frenzy of fear among the people is terrifying. There are long lines at banks and people try to withdraw money, and planes departing the Kabul airport have had people cling to them as they taxi on the runway.
Though the Taliban promises a more modern and reformed approach to government, many fear they will impose their brutal interpretation of Shariah law in the days to come.
"Secret believers in Afganistan are especially vunerable," Brother Samuel says. "Prior to Taliban rule, they already had a very difficult time living out their faith, as they had to keep it secret from their families for fear of being shunned, or worse, killed. Now that the Taliban is in power, their vulnerability increases 10 fold. It would be almost impossible to be a follower of Jesus in this country. We are monitoring the situation, but this is the time for us to ask God to have mercy not only on His people, but on this country as a whole."
With the collapse of the government, the expansion of extremism , food shortages anmd the raging pandemic, Afghanistan needs urgent prayer from the worldwide Church right now, more than ever.
Please pray for the small group of believers in the country. They are walking on eggshells and are uncertain who to trust. Pray that they find strength, wisdom and supernatural peace in God's promises.
Pray for the displaced. A new wave of refugees is expected to come from Afghanistan to many parts of the Middle East and the rest of the world. Pray forGod's protection over them and provision in their journeys.
Pray for women. Many women fear the Taliban rule means they will be stripped of opportunities for education. Women involved in education during the past years could also be at risk - pray for their protection.
Pray for the sick. Though underreported in international media, CO
VID 19 cases are spiking in the country and hospitals are limited in what they can offer. There is no certainty as to how the healthcare system will be able to substain itslef with the new Taliban government. Pray that the healthcare system will not collapse.
PRay that the country will not be a haven for extremists. The Taliban government of 20 years ago are known enablers of extremist Islamic organisations. With their newfound control over Afghanistan, the country could be host to a new generation of terror groups.
Thanks for praying. from an Open Doors USA text alert.
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Let's lift these concerns up in Jesus' Name.
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