What’s going on in Afghanistan?
As the situation in Afghanistan continues to evolve, it is important for Christians to be informed we can collectively lift up the country before God.
What’s happening?
On April 14, US President Joe Biden announced that America would withdraw its troops by September 11, 2021, ending the 20-year war that began with the 9/11 attacks.
On July 8, Biden said all troops would be pulled out by August 31 instead, as the purpose of the war had been met a decade ago with the killing of Osama bin Laden. To date, 90% of US fighters have successfully been withdrawn from Afghanistan.
Since this announcement, Taliban forces have launched offensives and retaken many government-held cities and villages, especially in the northern part of the country.
Taliban forces took the capital city of Kabul easily, taking the reins in the Presidential Palace, and declaring an end to the 20-year war. President Ashraf Ghani fled over the weekend to prevent further bloodshed.
On the ground, violence has been increasing and civilians have been suffering, especially the women and children. Wealthier Afghans and those who have aided US-NATO forces have been applying for visas to leave the country to escape the Taliban. Women from former government-held cities are fleeing for a chance to continue their education. For most of the population which is steeped in poverty – including the small, secret Christian community in the country – the war continues to cut them off from food and basic necessities. They are struggling to survive.
What’s the situation for believers?
The number of believers in the country is quite small. They are equally as affected as other civilians, and on top of that they have to prevent their faith from being exposed. Being a believer is very risky. Your family may expel, abuse or even kill you. Extremists groups are a threat to their lives as well.
Open Doors Field Director for Asia, Brother Samuel (pseudonym used) says “It’s a heartbreaking day for the citizens of Afghanistan, and an even more dangerous time to be a Christian. It’s an uncertain situation for the whole country, not just for secret believers. Our hearts are broken. We knew this could happen. We are not surprised but this does not make the pain any less.
“Secret believers in Afghanistan are especially vulnerable. 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 tenfold. 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.”
What can we do?
At the moment, the small number of believers and all other Afghans are in desperate need of prayer. That’s the most important thing you can do.
1. 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.
2. 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 for God’s protection and provision over them in their journeys.
3. Pray for the women. Many women fear that Taliban rule would mean they would be stripped of opportunities for education. Women involved in education during the past years could also be at risk – pray for their protection.
4. Pray for the sick. Though underreported in international media, COVID 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 sustain itself with the new Taliban government. Pray that the healthcare system will not collapse.
5. Pray that the country will not be a haven for extremists. The Taliban government of 20 years ago are known enablers of extremist Islamic organizations. With their newfound control over Afghanistan, the country could be host to a new generation of terror groups.
