The Taliban crackdown on Christians in Afghanistan has prompted an increase in believer numbers.,,,
Persecution of Christians in Afghanistan is causing the church to grow as young people question their traditions amid the country’s troubles, it’s been claimed.
A year after the takeover of the country, the ruling Taliban has stepped up efforts to crack down on Christians, with house-to house searches reported and the confiscation of smartphones.
Believers with Christian content on their phones fear repercussions from a regime the UN reported is responsible for “160 extrajudicial killings, 178 arbitrary arrests and detentions, and 56 instances of torture and ill-treatment” of Afghan National Security Force and government officials alone.
The UN report added: “Religious freedom conditions in Afghanistan have deteriorated since the Taliban seized control.
“Converts who already faced ostracization and the threat of honour killings by family and village members are now at heightened risk with the Taliban in power.
“The Taliban have reportedly gone door-to-door looking for US allies, former government workers, rights activists, and Christian converts. Christians have received threatening phone calls.”
But reports of growing oppression have been accompanied by accounts of some refusing to flee, instead choosing to be witnesses and serve the needs of fellow Christians.
UK-based Release International supports persecuted believers in 30 countries and reported the president of Christian TV channel Square One World Media, Shoaib Ebadi, as saying: “In the midst of darkness, followers of Jesus are still trying to help others, help the poor and be salt and light.”
He added that Afghanistan’s young people were asking faith-based questions amid the recurring problems in their country.
“They are eager to hear about new things because their way of life that has continued for centuries has not brought peace or forgiveness, and the people are not prospering. It’s always fighting and revenge.
“They are questioning everything: their own faith, their past, present, future. And all of them have mobile phones. Short videos about Jesus’ teaching and his life are being watched by hundreds and thousands.
“We teach the Afghan people how to know Jesus and understand his teaching. That’s the big thing that can change the hearts of people inside Afghanistan.”
Through its partners, Release International has helped rescue and relocate 150 Afghan Christians since the Taliban takeover.
Those partners are calling for prayer for Afghan worshippers to be touched by the Holy Spirit and strengthened in their faith, and for breakthrough in their country.
