Opinion: We Must Pray For Afghanistan

The current conflict in Afghanistan has consumed the news, social media and casual conversations. Over the last two weeks, a nearly endless stream of information on the Taliban’s return to power in Afghanistan has flooded the media. Everything from the safety of women and children to interviews with the Taliban themselves has been covered. 

One area receiving less coverage is that of Christians in Afghanistan and the dangers they face.

After the Taliban took over Afghanistan, Christians were almost immediately threatened. Mark Morris writes in the Gospel Coalition that Afghan pastors received letters from the Taliban claiming, “We know who you are, what you do, and where to find you.” Claire Giangravé reports in The Washington Post that the Taliban are going door-to-door looking for Christians and taking them away if they find them. 

It is abundantly clear: there is a real threat for Afghan Christians.

Under the influence of the Taliban, Christians can find neither freedom nor human decency. Beating, torture and even martyrdom are common for Christians in Afghanistan, and these atrocities are now taking place at the hands of the Taliban. Afghan Christians are facing imminent danger and need support from every believer in Christ, the Gospel and the power of prayer.

It is important to note that Christianity warrants persecution. Christians are guaranteed some form of persecution (John 15:20). However, that does not negate how essential it is to pray for the safety of fellow saints. 

There is a beautiful juxtaposition in Christianity: Christians are persecuted and also prayed for. Christians can expect persecution for faith in Jesus, but they should be hopeful for the prayers of their brothers and sisters. 

The Apostle Paul charges the church in Ephesus to be “praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end, keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints” (Eph. 6:18). The charge undoubtedly extends to Christians today; the necessary time to put this into practice is now, making prayer and supplication for those in Afghanistan.

So, how can Christians who aren’t experiencing this type of persecution pray for brothers and sisters who are? Considering Afghanistan, prayer is the most powerful (and accessible) act that any Christian can do. Pray that God would give them safety and boldness in the Gospel and that the Gospel would roar.

Pray that, as many martyrs in the Bible have, Afghan Christians share the Gospel with courage while facing the threat of death. The church in Acts grew in mighty ways under immense persecution (Acts 8:1-8). Pray that the church is similarly grown in these current events, even while under heavy fire. 

Another thing to pray for are families are risking separation, persecution and possibly death for the sake of believing in Jesus. Pray that God protects these family units in the midst of harm.

Perhaps a more tangible way to help is by donating airline miles for Afghans fleeing the country. 

Becky Pokora reports for Forbes that a nonprofit called Miles4Migrants helps those who can’t afford to fly by covering the cost with airline rewards. This is a highly practical way to contribute to the safety of the oppressed. 

Another organization worth contributing to is Help the Persecuted. This nonprofit is using funds to pay for flights, temporary housing and critical medication for persecuted Christians in Afghanistan who no longer have access to such things.

In humility and compassion, Christians have the ability to contribute greatly to the cause of family, safety and serving the persecuted church all over the world but most immediately in Afghanistan.

Justin Bower is an Opinion Writer.