It has been one year since the Taliban gained control in Afghanistan and while many Christians have already fled, some are staying to continue spreading the gospel.
On August 15, 2021, the Taliban claimed control of Afghanistan’s capital amid the United States’ chaotic troop withdrawal. The advance came as no surprise to those watching, as major cities fell to Taliban rule throughout the summer.
Last month, senior staff in U.S. President Joe Biden’s administration voiced concern about the August anniversary. Many people view the Afghanistan withdrawal as “one of Biden’s biggest failures,” and its commemoration could shake voter confidence as midterm elections approach.
“A lot of people have forgotten about Afghanistan, and the decimation that has happened since the American pull out,” says Reza*, a believer working with Global Catalytic Ministries.
“There’s not a lot of [NGOs or] people who care left (in Afghanistan).”
Working through a network of underground churches, GCM delivers relief aid and helps people escape. “We’ve brought out thousands of people,” Reza says.
“It’s become [increasingly] difficult and more expensive, but praise the Lord, He’s given us new avenues to bring people out.”
Afghanistan’s future is bleak. Yet, hope remains. Underground church leaders are staying put to share Christ and make disciples.
“The people of Afghanistan are so tired; Islam has decimated them and the Taliban has controlled them in such wicked ways. They’re looking for any sign of hope,” Reza says.
“God is moving so powerfully; we want to start underground churches who make disciples in the darkest places on the earth. With your prayer support and with your generosity that really can happen,” Reza says.
“Afghanistan is still the second-fastest growing church in the world, even with the Taliban in power. Imagine if, one day, we hear 10 percent of the Afghan population has turned to Jesus.”
*Pseudonym
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This story originally appeared at Mission Network News and is republished here with permission.