AFGHANISTAN —Afghanistan’s Christians have to keep their faith secret. If the Taliban find out, the Christian could be killed – as Khada (name changed) found out.

Khada*:

In the shadow of the Taliban’s rule, life in Afghanistan is very difficult. Yet, anchored by our strong faith, we press on through the storm. We have to worship in secret. If our faith is discovered, we might face torture, be put in prison, or even killed.

But Jesus is worth the risk, a risk my colleague decided to take. One day, she handed me a book without saying anything. It turned out to be a Bible. When I took the book home and started reading it with my husband Ehsan, we had many questions, but we solved those questions together.

He loved me a lot, and we always chose the same path. And so, we found our faith, got baptized, and that’s when our journey began. Later, I dared to share some Bible stories with my family. Gradually, they all became believers.

But one night, my husband went missing after visiting a group. It was late in the evening, and my anxiety grew. I had a feeling something was wrong. As night fell, I kept checking my phone, hoping to hear from Ehsan. But as the hours went by, there was still no word. I put my phone away, hoping for the best but fearing the worst.

Somehow, I am finding happiness in my new life without my husband, with help from faithful brothers and sisters. We support each other by reading the Bible together. Those who have more share with those in need. This is the faith that Jesus taught us, to carry each other’s burdens. We hope that everything will be fine, and that one day Afghanistan will be filled with believers.

I used to talk with Ehsan every day. Now that he’s gone, I talk with God every night. I believe that he listens and hears all of my prayers. When we chose the path of Christ, we understood that it would not be without its trials. But with the hope and promises God gave us, we stand strong and continue this journey.

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For over 60 years, Open Doors UK has worked in the world’s most oppressive countries, empowering Christians who are persecuted for their beliefs. Open Doors equips persecuted Christians in more than 60 countries through programs like Bible & Gospel Development, Women & Children Advancement, and Christian Community Restoration.