More Than Food . . .

“Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.” (Matthew 4:4)

Ali fled Afghanistan when the Taliban seized control.

Suddenly, one of the worst countries in the world for Christians became even more dangerous. Especially for Christians who used to be Muslim.

Ali was one of them.

Ali (not his name) had secretly become a Christian. In the turmoil of the takeover, he escaped to another country. But on any day, he could be forced back to Afghanistan, where it is a crime to leave Islam and the punishment is execution. Even in the other country, leaving Islam is considered illegal and punishable by jail or death.

As a refugee, Ali needs immediate help with food and shelter. But as a secret Christian, he needs more. He needs other believers whom he can trust, to meet discreetly for fellowship and encouragement in Christ.

“The situation for these refugee families is critical,” our partner Malachi said. “Many live in fear of the police and cannot work. They try to find work but only a few can earn a daily living.”

Christian Freedom International (CFI) provides practical support. And that’s not all.

Our team meets with secret Christians for fellowship and Bible study.

Amazingly, some invite their relatives and friends to these fellowships. Despite the risk, several family and friends have given their lives to Christ.

Murad was the only Christian in his family when they fled Afghanistan. He had been a Christian for ten years and was hesitant to share his faith with his family. CFI’s team supported his family with food, rent, and advice. This opened a door to share about Christ’s love – and Murad’s brother accepted Jesus. Now the rest of his family are asking questions and reading the Bible.

Our teams also come alongside Christian refugees to find ways to improve their futures. Ali discovered that the best way he could legally stay in a country – and prepare for his future – was if he attended school.

He applied to a qualified school – and got accepted. But he had no way to cover the fees and housing. So he prayed, and God answered through you and other supporters of CFI. Now he is working hard to earn professional skills and received housing and food with the educational support provided by CFI.

But the situation is worsening as this country is forcibly deporting refugees. Christians face extreme persecution in both countries and life-threatening danger in Afghanistan where the Taliban has said they will kill any Christian.

CFI’s partners are discipling secret believers through their difficulties and trials – and they are seeing God answer prayer. Laying a strong foundation for their faith is crucial for them to stand firm against the persecution that they will face for the rest of their lives for believing in Jesus.

Will you join us by praying for our teams to help while we can during these tumultuous times? Now is a window of time to help.

Would you like to give toward equipping and caring for persecuted Christians? This is a tangible way to show God’s love and to strengthen their faith.

Your gift today will help persecuted Christians as they live for Christ despite the risks.

You can find more stories in Afghan Christians Speak