The repression of women, girls, and Christians has just gotten even more extreme in Afghanistan.

“The Taliban regime ruling the country published a new set of morality laws that continues its long-running crackdown on human rights,” International Christian Concern (ICC) reports. “Women are no longer allowed to appear in public with uncovered faces, travel without a male escort, or look at men to whom they are not related. Further, women are not allowed to sing, recite, or read aloud in public.”

In addition, the Islamists ruling the country have Christians (“infidels”) in their sights — and they’re ready and waiting to use whatever means necessary to rid Afghanistan of anything and anyone having to do with Jesus. ICC says:

“Despite promises that it would rule with ideological moderation and restraint, the Taliban has implemented an extreme version of Sharia law in the country since seizing power in 2021.”

If Christians get out of line, the Taliban can enforce the law through “public executions, lashings and floggings, stoning, beatings, and acts of public humiliation, such as forced head shaving,” according to a recent United States Commission on International Religious Freedom report.

It pains me to know how severely our brothers and sisters (and others) in Afghanistan suffer. Many live in secret because of the imminent threat of violence and death.

But it also spurs me on 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* — who lives 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’re not alone.

God bless you.

In His service,

Mat Staver