Born into a village in Afghanistan often targeted by terrorists, Fawad grew up in an environment where resilience was not just a virtue, but a necessity. His parents instilled in him the teachings of Islam, nurturing his spiritual journey from a young age. Yet, amidst the familiar cadence of prayers and rituals, Fawad's soul yearned for something more.
Life took an unexpected turn when Fawad lost his parents. Alone but determined, Fawad left school in the eighth grade and started working as a translator. Fawad's journey took a remarkable turn one ordinary day as he noticed a peculiar gathering near his workplace. Each Sunday, a stream of people would quietly slip into a nearby house, their purpose shrouded in mystery. Intrigued by their secretive assembly, Fawad confided in a close friend whom he had seen walking into the home, demanding to know the truth behind these clandestine meetings. “You are hiding something from me!" he said.
His friend, after much hesitation, revealed a secret that would change Fawad's life forever. ‘Well…’ his friend finally answered, ‘if you will promise not to tell anyone…I have converted to Christianity, and this is a house church. You can come in if you like, but please keep it a secret!"
From Curiosity to Conviction
From the moment Fawad stepped into the house church, he felt an undeniable shift within him. The words of Jesus Christ resonated deeply, illuminating his heart with a warmth he had never known. He took his friend aside, longing to know more, and for an entire day they talked about the gospel. What began as curiosity quickly blossomed into conviction, as Fawad immersed himself in the Bible.
Even more incredible, Fawad, who had gotten a job as a cook and a baker, had an American supervisor...who was a Christians. "He would explain things to me very clearly, yet full of love and respect," he said. Fawad's understanding deepened. As he clandestinely attended church and read the Bible, Fawad kept his burgeoning faith hidden from his family. Yet, the transformative power of his newfound belief was too profound to remain concealed for long.
Fawad's wife has a dream...
One morning, Fawad's wife woke up and said, "I had the strangest dream last night,’ she said. "What do you think it means? I dreamed that someone like the Prophet Essa [Essa means Jesus] came and told me, 'Your husband is coming out of darkness, but you and your children are still in the darkness. Ask your husband to take you and your children from darkness to light.'"
In total awe, Fawad told her that he had joined a Christian group a few months prior, that he was reading the Bible. "God has touched my heart! This dream is from God the Father! He is not the Prophet Essa, but Jesus Christ, the Son of God. We all must go to church this coming Sunday.’
His whole family came to Christ and attended church, but they kept their faith a secret from their relatives. Together, they embraced Christianity, their collective faith becoming a beacon of resilience and unity. While they continued to practice their faith in secret, the strength of their conviction fortified them against the challenges ahead.
The Taliban come to power
The resurgence of the Taliban in August 2021 cast a shadow over the fledgling Christian community in Afghanistan. With house churches forced to close and believers driven into hiding, Fawad's family faced an uncertain future. The threat of persecution loomed large, compelling them to erase any evidence of their faith from their lives. Unable to escape, they committed themselves to prayer and asked God to make a way for them to be able to worship Him freely.
After several years, they found a way into a neighboring country. For days, they walked through the desert and mountains, and then, at the border, a new chapter in their lives began.
TheY Meet our field ministers ...
Soon, they found a local underground church. Their hearts were overwhelmed with joy as they got to worship with other Christians for the first time in years. Their new community rallied around them. They introduced them to Timothy, a persecuted Christian from Afghanistan we helped, who soon brought the family to our Field Ministers.
Because of your faithful generosity and prayers, we soon helped the family set up an apartment in a safe location. We are ministering to them, encouraging them in the name of the Lord, as they begin to look for jobs and rebuild their lives after losing everything for the sake of Christ.
Today, we invite you to join us in supporting families like Fawad's. Your generosity can illuminate the path for others seeking refuge from darkness....rescuing, restoring, and rebuilding the lives of Afghan Christians who have lost everything for the sake of Christ.