I recently watched an interview with a Christian who offered an inside look at the horrific effects of the Taliban’s rule in Afghanistan … and it deeply touched my heart.

International Christian Concern spoke with “Akram,” originally from Iran and raised in a Muslim home — a woman who is doing online outreach to Christians in Afghanistan.

The genuine love and care — “the tangible faith,” as she describes it — that she received at a Christian church here in America was what drew her to Jesus.

She hears story after story of persecution from many believers in Afghanistan — via texts, phone calls, and more.

One man told her he was imprisoned for three months after getting “caught” by the Taliban … and for five hours every day, he was hung upside down from the ceiling as his captors tortured him with electric shocks.

He told Akram how his ears bled, his eyes hurt, and how his sight is now impaired. The man was also kept in a dungeon for 60 days straight with no daylight, while suffering physical and psychological abuse no human should EVER have to experience.

He was released from prison not long ago, but he is now on the run for his life — he told Akram he KNOWS he will be killed if the Taliban finds him again.

As much as it breaks my heart to hear what our brothers and sisters are enduring for the sake of the Cross, it also spurs me to take compassionate action on their behalf.

Will you join me?

LRI’s Christ-centered partners in many hostile parts of the Middle East, Africa, Asia, and beyond provide spiritual and emotional support to the suffering … the ones who need it most.

I recall the words of a man named Saad* — also in Afghanistan — who made a plea to Christians worldwide after the Taliban took over:

“For us, everything has been taken away. We need you to ask God on our behalf. We feel disoriented. We feel alone. If you love us, pray for us. This is where we are together: at the foot of the cross, where the full measure of love is known. If you love me—if you love Jesus—pray for us.”

Please DO pray.

And please also GIVE to let them know they are not alone.

God bless you.

Mat Staver