Afghanistan
The state, including the courts, traditionally considers all citizens to be Muslim. Officials generally have a negative attitude toward Christians, and believers in the country continue to face social discrimination, harassment and violence. Most Afghan Christians keep their faith to themselves and only share with a few people they consider trustworthy. If exposed, Christians face fierce reprisals from family, community and the Taliban, including expulsion from their homes, verbal and physical abuse, loss of employment, imprisonment and even death. There are no Christian churches or schools left in Afghanistan. It is too dangerous for Christians to keep a copy of the Bible in their own home, so they don't often have the opporutnity to study the Word of God.
Examples of Persecution:
- In May 2010, the deputy secretary of the Lower House of Parliament called for the execution of some Afghan Christians after their faces were shown on TV. Hostility against Christians increased and many left their homes, fearing for their lives.
- In June 2010, demonstrations took place against Christianity in various cities across the country
Open Doors is: facilitating and stimulating the Afghan church
Please Pray:
- For the safety of Christians in Afghanistan
- For the people producing the Christian radio and TV programs. Praise God that believers are using these opporutnities to learn about God
- For the government officials, that God would reveal himself to them and soften their hearts toward Christians