Afghanistan (MNN) — Another round of peace talks between Afghanistan and Pakistan failed last week. Yet both nations claim they will maintain their shaky ceasefire. Tensions have run high since the October 9 explosions in Kabul, with disputes over cross-border terrorist activities near the core of the conflict.
On Friday, new clashes broke out in a district in southern Afghanistan. Afghan authorities say Pakistan’s shelling killed five people.
Yet Greg Kelley from Unknown Nations says the gospel is crossing borders, too. One way is through outreach to the Afghan diaspora.
“There are more than a million Afghans who are in neighboring countries that include Pakistan, Iran, and Turkey,” says Kelley. Unknown Nations’ indigenous partners work to disciple believers in these countries.
“We heard a story recently of three Afghan families who are refugees in Nairobi, Kenya, receiving Christ, being water baptized, and now being equipped and trained up,” says Kelley. “They will become incredible ambassadors and advocates for the gospel and will ultimately have an impact inside the country of Afghanistan.”
Afghanistan flag (Photo courtesy of Farid Ershad via Unsplash)
Persecution is not a maybe but a guarantee for believers in the Muslim-majority culture, Kelley says.
“They have a devout faith that is focused on Islamic tradition,” he says. “They highly value community. And when I say that, I mean family. The family structure is critically important. They fellowship. They eat meals together regularly. They don’t live in isolation.”
Yet despite persecution from non-Christian family members, these close bonds can prove to have an advantage, “because usually when [the gospel] hits one person, they’re in close proximity to a lot of other people,” Kelley explains.
Please watch and pray with Afghan believers during these uncertain times with Pakistan. Pray in line with the Great Commission for more gospel workers to rise in Afghanistan, Pakistan, and beyond.
Header photo: Street scene in Kabul, Afghanistan. (Stock photo courtesy of Farid Ershad/Unsplash)
