Those Who Follow Me Will Have the Light of Life
Afghanistan’s Long War and Instability
In Afghanistan, civil war has continued since the late 1970s. In 1979, the Soviet Union invaded, leading to war, and although Soviet troops withdrew in 1989, power struggles between armed groups continued. In 1996, the Taliban took control of Kabul and enforced strict Islamic law, sparking another war with anti-Taliban forces. After the 9/11 attacks in 2001, the U.S. and allied forces attacked and removed the Taliban regime. The international community attempted to rebuild Afghanistan with a new government, but corruption and inefficiency prevented stability. Meanwhile, the Taliban continued to carry out attacks, forcing many to flee.
Taliban’s Return to Power and Refugee Crisis
After negotiations between the U.S. and the Taliban in 2019, U.S. and NATO forces began withdrawing in May 2021. The Taliban quickly took over large parts of the country, and by August 15, they had captured Kabul, seizing full control of Afghanistan. On August 30, the U.S. officially ended its 20-year war and withdrew completely. For over 40 years, Afghans have suffered from war, natural disasters, poverty, food shortages, and even the COVID-19 pandemic. Since the Taliban returned to power in 2021, instability and violence have worsened, forcing even more people to flee.
Current Status of Afghan Refugees
More than 6 million Afghans have been displaced due to war and poverty, with over 2.7 million crossing borders to live as refugees in other countries. As of 2022, Afghan refugees are the fourth largest refugee group in the world. The majority of Afghan refugees reside in Pakistan (1.45 million) and Iran (780,000), while many also live in Germany (180,000) and Türkiye (130,000).
Afghanistan’s Food Crisis
As of June 2022, 23 million people, or 55% of Afghanistan’s population, are suffering from severe food shortages, and 9 million are experiencing extreme hunger.
》Scripture Prayer
Psalm 36:5-11(NIV)
5 Your love, LORD, reaches to the heavens, your faithfulness to the skies.
6 Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, LORD, preserve both people and animals.
7 How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings.
8 They feast on the abundance of your house; you give them drink from your river of delights.
9 For with you is the fountain of life; in your light we see light.
10 Continue your love to those who know you, your righteousness to the upright in heart.
11 May the foot of the proud not come against me, nor the hand of the wicked drive me away.
》Pray that the Word may become the Conclusion.
1. Due to long wars and conflicts, many Afghans have died in extreme poverty and suffering. Without God’s protection, there is no way for its people to find life. Let us pray that they will recognize their weakness and helplessness, come before God, and seek His grace and mercy.
2. The safest place for anyone to find rest is under the wings of the Almighty, and it is always open to those who seek it earnestly. Even if Afghan refugees are expelled from various places, face threats to their lives, and are abandoned by others, let us pray that God will grant them true justice and shine His light upon them. May they find refuge in the arms of the Lord.
3. Let us give thanks to God for allowing Afghan refugees to hear the gospel and come to faith in Jesus Christ. Let us also pray that the church in Afghanistan will rise up, continue to share the Lord’s grace, and become a channel of His love and kindness to others.
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