Story number 3 for 11 Oct 2001

(Afghanistan)–With the conflict in Afghanistan raging, some refugee children are being evacuated to the United States. Bethany Christian Services is bringing a handful of children to the U.S., some who have spent years in the camps. Bethany’s Donna Abbott says it’s an effort to protect them. “Because of the vulnerability of these children, especially the young males who are in the border Pakistan camps, to possibly continued forced recruitment by the Taliban, now that they are in the conflict with the United States. I think that a lot of relief workers are scared for the kid’s safety.” Abbott says most of the children have suffered tremendously under the ruling of the Taliban government. “These are all minors under the age of 18 whose parents are either deceased or unavailable to provide care for them.” Bethany strives to demonstrate the love of Christ by protecting and enhancing the lives of children.