[2023 Ramadan Day 13] The Nation that Will Rise Up with Vision, Afghanistan!

It's been two years since the Taliban took control of Afghanistan in 2021. The Taliban are binding all Afghans with strong Islamic laws every day. In addition, in order to build Islamic fighters, who will fight against external forces, during this Ramadan season, some cities are forcing people from all over the village to come to mosques by checking their attendance.

University started again in March, but a sign saying women are prohibited from admission was put up at the main entrance of the university. All women who had dreams for their life are spending each day sighing and crying at the fact that the freedom of education and women's human rights have been taken away. Not just in universities, but also in general schools and all workplaces, women are prohibited from education and work. In addition, men are not allowed to wear western clothes that are not local Afghan clothes, and they are strongly encouraged to reject foreign forces.

The reason why they strongly reject external forces without educating women is because the Taliban's ideology is influenced by Deobandi (Islamic reformation movement), Wahhabi (Saudi's radical fundamentalism), and Pashtun Wali (masculinism of Pashtun).

In particular, Wahhabi, which is Islamic fundamentalism, is notoriously known in Saudi Arabia for its discrimination against women, and combined with the traditional Pashtun ideology of Pashtun Wali, which teaches that women are not equally independent beings, but are in need of protection. Women have become powerless and the idea that women are unable to live without the help of men is influencing the Taliban. Studying and working are not an option for women. The Islamic ideologists see women as vulnerable beings who need help and persecute them for being weak resulting in being neglected.

Due to the Taliban's strong persecution, Afghans are abandoning their land and fleeing away to neighboring countries. More and more Afghans are choosing the life a refugee and crossing borders, wandering as a sojourner with a passport or a visa.

But since the neighboring countries are also strong Islamic countries, this Ramadan period is an even more difficult and fearful time for the Afghan brothers and sisters of faith. However, as they witnessed the faith of Pakistani young adults who gave their lives to God in commitment, they are hearing of God’s vision and are gradually becoming powerful soldiers of God.

David departed from there and escaped to the cave of Adullam. And when his brothers and all his father's house heard it, they went down there to him. And everyone who was in distress, and everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was bitter in soul, gathered to him. And he became commander over them. And there were with him about four hundred men. (I Samuel 22:1-2)

Although now, because of their distress, debt and bitterness, they cry out and fill their

mouths and thoughts with the question, "why, why, and why", may their confessions transform towards worship and march forward with the joy of salvation. May all Afghans receive the grace of God to learn of His calling, dream and vision.

Before the world's affairs and authorities, we anticipate that they will rise up as God's soldiers! There were 400 soldiers who were exhausted at the cave of Adullam, but how they ultimately became soldiers were through the unification of Israel. While Afghans live with bitterness as refugees now, when they meet the Lord and find vision, we hope to see them rise up as powerful soldiers in Christ!

[Today's Prayer]

1. Afghans may be full of tribulation and resentment now but may the overflowing grace of Jesus who saved them be poured onto all Afghani's. As the soldiers gathered at the cave of Adullam became the army of God, may Afghanistan break through all difficulties! May they rise up with vision and advance forward giving their lives to the Lord!

2. Let's pray that the global church will not forget about Afghanistan! May the global church rise all the more as warriors to pray for Afghanistan along with the Afghani church to fight this battle of faith together!