Central Asia – Afghanistan
Population: 99.85% of the 38.7 million people of Afghanistan claim to be Muslim.
Conditions:
Multiple and complex social problems abound in Afghanistan, with over one million people actively using drugs (exacerbated by Afghanistan growing 90% of the world’s opium-producing poppies).
Afghanistan is one of the least-reached countries in the world. There are 48,000 mosques but not a single church building.
Christianity is no longer recognised as a faith and Afghanistan is ranked 2nd in the world for Christian persecution. Evangelical Christians form 0.02% of the population.
It is impossible to live openly as a Christian in Afghanistan. Leaving Islam is considered shameful, punishable often by death.
Opportunity:
Although impossible to document, it is estimated that between 500 – 8,000 believers either live in or have fled Afghanistan.
Those still in the country turn to Christian radio and satellite television for hope. Those who have fled seek support from other Christians.
Please pray:
Lord, we thank you that your word remains unchained and has the ability to change the hardest and darkest of hearts. We pray for an outpouring of your Holy Spirit in this land, opening spiritually-blind eyes to your truth and transforming power.
In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
For further country information visit:
The Joshua Project
*statistics courtesy of Operation World and Open Doors
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