Guest: Christian American who worked In Afghanistan; Christian persecution
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Segment 1: Conversation with our special guest, "Sarah"
We had a very sensitive and informative conversation with our guest, "Sarah" (identity changed for security purposes). Sarah is an American Christian who spent time living and working in Afghanistan. She lived in Kabul for 3 years, in a typical Afghan neighborhood and she worked in a for-profit company in leadership training.
Sarah helped us understand some of the recent events taking place in Afghanistan. These are some of the questions we discussed:
What was the role of the U.S. military? Was it mainly to provide stability and some level of normalcy? How prevalent was the military?
The U.S. military was scattered throughout the area. In recent years while Sarah was there, the focus had shifted from outright fighting against terrorism to more community support. The direct counter-intelligence and counter-terrorism was less.
What was it like to be a Christian?
You could not speak about it at all, unless it was in a one-on-one conversation. It was always a concern...while she was on a short visit to the States, Sarah was warned not to return to Afghanistan because she and her colleagues had been reported by a fellow Afghan co-worker that she was a Christian. It was life threatening for the remaining "ex-pat" staff and the Afghan staff worker's homes were ransacked and threatened due to their association with Christians.
What is the relationship between the Afghan people and the Taliban?
This is a very nuanced question...overall, Afghans are against any form of violence; however, people in the more rural areas who follow more strictly to Sharia Law, may be more supportive. Most people are living in fear and are being terrorized (women and minorities especially).
Who is it that the Taliban is targeting?
Christians are on the top of the list. Also, anyone connected with foreign thinking and ideology, workplaces/employees connected to NGOs, military, Afghan National Police/Army, women, and minorities. (NGO: Non-Governmental Organization, similar to a non-profit organization in the U.S.)
What is happening to the people who are in harm's way?
They are being shot, killed, tortured, kidnapped (for ransom money), forced into sex slavery.
The Afghan Church is growing exponentially! Many Believers have come to faith in Jesus through dreams and visions. God makes Himself known! This is the biggest prayer—that God will move in supernatural ways and make Himself known!
What could the American Church learn from our brothers and sisters in Afghanistan?
Sarah explained..my recognition that when I say "yes" to Jesus...I didn't realize the choice in living that out day-to-day...there is a cost, but we don't have to wrestle to say "yes" the way our brothers and sisters in the underground church have to do. There is a weight and a high cost that many of us in the U.S. have not experienced.
How can we pray and support Believers in Afghanistan?
Many people are so close to encountering Jesus in a powerful way! Pray for the power and presence of Jesus to take hold in a powerful way.
Pray for the 6 children (3 boys, 3 girls) who are going to be coming to the U.S. Pray for funds and even give if you feel led!
This has been a difficult and emotionally draining show. May it spur us on to feel the weight of the heaviness and PRAY for the people in Afghanistan.
Resources
To give to the Bahar International School in Kabul in support of Afghan children:
Checks can be made out and mailed to:
Life of Excellence International, Inc.
P.O. Box 701284
Tulsa, OK 74170
Or give online (the Susan King Legacy Fund will appear in the subject line)
Connect with the guest
Pray, pray, pray for the people in Afghanistan!
Segment #2: Announcements!
We had a great time speaking at a teacher training in Virginia! We have put together several trainings on the topics of diversity, equity, and inclusion from a Biblically faithful perspective.
If you'd like us to come and share with your church leaders, school, or ministry organization, check out our website for booking information.
Be sure to register for the Uniting People (UP) Conference! This 100% virtual conference will address Biblical justice with 4 plenary sessions and several breakout sessions. Check out our promo video!
We are so thankful for Impact 360 and the work they are doing to equip our young people to understand and defend their faith. Check out this promo video to learn more:
Resources
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