Refugees flee from Afghanistan, Christians are hunted down while phones are hacked to see if anyone has the Bible app, people are stripped from their homes and males are murdered, and women are sold into human trafficking. Both Afghan natives and American people are trapped at the airport and awaiting intervention from governments that are nonexistent. U.S. military forces and their allies are murdered. This is just scratching the surface on the Afghanistan Taliban and ISIS crisis currently ongoing. What is the Christian response during this troubling time for so many and how can we help?
Afghanistan has Fallen
Taliban sources stated that the last resistance area, Panjshir Valley, has been captured and resistance against their regime has been eliminated. Celebratory gunfire rang out in the city of Kabul, with dedication to Allah regarding the seize of territory. Meanwhile, the economy of Afghanistan continues to dwindle as persecution grows and human rights are obliterated. September would have marked 21 years of the Global War on Terrorism. The U.S. entered into the Afghanistan Taliban war after 9/11 and the thousands of deaths on U.S. soil that were claimed as the result of the collapse of the World Trade Center. Now, Afghanistan stands still desolate while persecution rises as the resistance against an exploitative and hateful regime and religion falls.
Taliban seizure of Afghanistan was a slow process that occurred over time. Some members went underground, awaiting the time when the U.S. would eventually withdraw. In mid-August, Taliban forces overtook Kabul by lethal force. The once U.S. backed government that sought out oppressive forces has been eliminated and in the wake of this political shift, U.S. troops and their allies have become a public spectacle for the world.
Heightened Terror
At least 10 Marines were killed during the seizure of Kabul and more alarming is how our U.S. Army Blackhawks have been hijacked by the Taliban and used to display U.S. military personnel from them as they are hung below. America continues to be silent. Not even ashamed of her many sins as the outcry of innocent blood ravages. Twitter responses during this crisis has increased as Americans' concerns grow and outrage flourishes. To add fuel to the fire, Christians are being hunted as if hardened criminals, tortured, and killed. But even in spite of this chaotic world spectacle, there is hope.The church in Afghanistan is the fastest growing in the world. I want to share an interview Jennie Allen, founder and Visionary of IF:Gathering, had with a pastor on the ground in the Middle East. God is still keeping His promise of not abandoning His people.
Hope in Chaos
The God we serve is not a God to abandon His people. Even amidst the backdrop of a violent enemy, God's glory and power will prevail. He still reigns. Regarding the horrific circumstances in the Middle East, hope should be what is most given.
"Many are saying of me, “God will not deliver him.” But you, LORD, are a shield around me, my glory, the One who lifts my head high. I call out to the LORD, and he answers me from his holy mountain. I lie down and sleep; I wake again, because the LORD sustains me. I will not fear though tens of thousands assail me on every side" (Psalm 3:2-6, NIV).
The Christian Response
Just war is what we should be fighting. Most will probably disagree with this statement. However, God does not call us to be tolerant of sin nor a pacifist in nature. War is meant to be fought justly. There will be another study on this in the future. Observing the terror that the Taliban group has spread, the Afghanistan Taliban War would qualify as a just war. Blissful Faith has partnered with ABWE International to help provide for refugees and international Middle East Missions. If you are able, and after seeking God regarding the matter, we urge you to give (and a non-cash offer if you would like) to help the less fortunate AND be a voice for the voiceless. The body of Christ needs to step up and not depend on our government. The following links are below: Pastor X's missionary group, ABWE's relief fund, and our donation form. If God is not calling you to give, please join with us in prayer for the following requests:
The deliverance of the Afghan people, the American citizens, the troops, and Christians as they endure persecution and face death
The Salvation of the Taliban
The endurance, protection, and courage for missionaries