Int’l ministry requests prayer for Afghanistan’s Christians, who ‘must flee’ or ‘risk being killed’

By Texan Staff
September 24, 2021

International human rights ministries are urging Christians around the world to pray for Afghan believers who now face potential persecution following U.S. withdrawal from the country.

Afghanistan is home to an estimated 8,000 to 12,000 Christians—most of whom are converts from Islam and could become targets of the Taliban, according to International Christian Concern. The Taliban’s strict Muslim ideology requires punishment—often, death—for converts.

“In many cases, known Christians must flee Afghanistan or risk being killed,” ICC reported.

The Voice of the Martyrs issued a prayer guide with six specific requests for Afghanistan’s Christians:

Pray for God’s protection. “The situation on the ground is fluid right now. Pray for God’s protection over his people,” Voice of the Martyrs said.
Pray for wisdom. “Ask God to bless our brothers and sisters with discernment as they decide whether to stay or go and even with whom they should talk.”
Pray for fellowship. “Pray that God will help each Afghan believer to connect and fellowship with at least one other believer in person, by phone or through some other technology.” For safety reasons, many Christians in Afghanistan often keep their faith a secret.
Pray for safe passage. “Pray that God will provide safe passage to those who feel led by God to leave Afghanistan and provide for their immediate needs in their new location.”
Pray that Muslims will be saved. “As Muslims in Afghanistan see this cruel face of Islam, pray that they will be drawn to Jesus Christ, the shepherd Savior who doesn’t oppress but instead chose to lay down his life for his sheep.”
Pray for Christians trying to help. “Pray for the wisdom of front-line workers and pray that God will open new pathways for them to continue their work under Taliban control.”