The last time the Taliban were in power, women were banned from the workplace and schools—along with a series of other dire restrictions. Once again, they feel exposed.
Christian women are even more at risk. Afghanistan is No. 2 on the 2021 World Watch List, which notes: “Leaving Islam is considered shameful, punishable by death under the prevailing Islamic law and most Christian converts face dire consequences if exposed: Either they have to flee the country or they will be killed.”
Afghan women are unlikely to report persecution because of the stigma attached and the unlikely chances of receiving justice through the courts.
“There is a complete cloak of silence around any kind of violation of a woman’s space and dignity,” a local source told Open Doors. “How do we equip Christian women—to make their mark and to impact the world from behind their veil to inspire a rescue plan of incarnational proportions, even in the midst of this darkness?
“Who cares anymore? Soon the cameras will be turned off. Soon their grandmother’s story of suffering under the Taliban will become theirs,” the source said.
Breaking through the darkness
When Jesus was born in Bethlehem, He came into the world in occupied territory to parents who were targets because of who they were. Jesus’ parents were forced to flee a mad ruler who murdered children without shame. His early years were as a refugee in Egypt, finally returning home to a place under the thumb of an empire.
This is the story of Christianity. God breaks through the darkness, and in the person of Jesus breaks the chains of hopelessness.
So yes, the life a Christian baby in Afghanistan will be hard. She will be a target. Her parents will weep and be fearful. But she is not alone—Jesus is with her. And through Him, Christians around the world can be with her, too.
This little girl’s parents said her birth gives them hope God has not given up on their country. And perhaps it’s a reminder that we shouldn’t give up, either even when the situation seems hopeless. Through prayer, join this new sister and her parents as they follow Jesus in a land so hostile to Christians:
top photo: IMB.org
