Thank you for your prayers – they really do make an enormous difference for our church family
Since the return of the Taliban to power in Afghanistan last year, it has never been more dangerous to be a secret Afghan believer – and our persecuted church family there are crying out for us to join them in prayer. It can be hard to know how to pray, but we serve a mighty God who hears our prayers and draws near in the darkness.
Join with the church in Afghanistan as we pray through four of God’s names in the Bible – El Roi, Jehovah Shalom, Jehovah Jireh and Jehovah Nissi – throughout the month of February.
Jehovah Jireh – God Our Provider
“And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 4:19
Tuesday 15 February
Many aid organisations and governing bodies have cut their support of Afghanistan in an attempt to snub the Taliban leadership. But without foreign aid it’s the locals who suffer the most. Pray for God’s wisdom for global policy and decision makers – ask the Lord to show them how to reach those in need with basic necessities as they also uphold justice, righteousness and truth.
Wednesday 16 February
It’s a challenge to transport goods, to go through checkpoints, and to have access to the believers in refugee camps to give them the support they need most. Transporting help and working on the frontlines is fraught with challenges, but praise God that how He continues to open doors for His work to prosper.
Today, pray that God will continue to open doors for our partners to build connections on the ground.
Thursday 17 February
Aysha is an Open Doors partner ministering to Afghan refugees in Central Asia: “Refugees –especially women – are emotionally broken, very stressed and often crying as they have lost their homes, and because of the situation in their country.
“We need prayers for wisdom, strength and new opportunities to serve the women, such as trauma counselling. Pray that we can share the gospel with them and bring them to local churches.”
Friday 18 February
Refugees are controlled by the army of the country they’re entering. They are given temporary shelter in transit camps, then have to go through a registration process. Only then are they allowed to be part of the camps. “The displaced have nowhere to go and are going back and forth, being passed around by border control. So many have no idea what waits for them on the other side of the border,” says a local partner.
Ask God to give refugees safe passage and pray that they will find shelter.
Saturday 19 February
Sharinah and her child have become asylum seekers in Central Asia after escaping Afghanistan. Her child had pneumonia and she had no money. By God’s providence, Sharinah ran into one of our partners, Ali, while he was arranging food deliveries. Ali was led by God’s Spirit to help Sharinah’s child get proper healthcare right then and there. Sharinah is a Muslim, but she is now in regular contact with Ali for encouragement.
Continue to pray for healing for Sharinah’s child – and pray that Jesus will reveal Himself to Sharinah.
Sunday 20 February
The raging covid pandemic has not spared Afghanistan, and child malnutrition and measles outbreaks are also affecting the country. A doctor told the media, “Basic medical equipment and facilities are lacking in the city hospital – what more could the state of health look like in the areas that are further away?”
Today, ask the Lord to revitalise the Afghan hospitals. Ask Him to heal the sick and restore their health.
Monday 21 February
God continues to be faithful in reaching the needy in Afghanistan. Nazim is a frontline partner: “We [have] supported other families in this area, Christian and non-Christian, with some food packs and clean water.” A local believer also says, “It’s only thanks to you, to your prayers, that we’re still here. If it had not been for your prayers we would have been long gone, because the situation is very difficult.”
Give thanks to God for how He reaches out and strengthens Afghan locals physically and spiritually.
*Names have been changed throughout for security purposes.
