Story number 2 for 28 Aug 2001

(Afghanistan)–We turn our attention next to Afghanistan where there’s been some encouraging news regarding the Christian aid workers. The group of 24 was arrested by the Taliban religious police in early August and charged with proselytizing. Mission Network News’ Ruth Bliss has an update on the case in this report. “Eight foreign staff members of the Germany-based “Shelter Now International” got to see delegates of the International Committee of the Red Cross Sunday. The Associated Press is also reporting that along with three diplomats, parents of the American detainees were able to visit their children Monday. However, it’s not yet known where the Afghan staff are being held and so far the Taliban have refused to permit anyone to see them. Believers are being asked to pray on the behalf of all the detained Christians, and for their work. There is a lot at stake for the future of the outreach. Foreigners convicted of proselytizing are expelled; Afghans face the death penalty. For Mission Network News, I’m Ruth Bliss.”