01/06/2022 Washington D.C. (International Christian Concern) – In the wake of the disastrous U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan this summer, the country’s highly secretive Christian community began to experience a rapid increase in threats. The weeks and months following the fall of Kabul to the Taliban were, for Christians, the most frightening times in years.
Christians received threatening phone messages. “We know who you are,” the callers said. “We’re coming for you.” Many Christians frantically tried to escape through the Hamid Karazai International Airport, hoping and praying to make it through the airport gates and onto a plane. Few made it. Scores of Christians remain in hiding throughout Afghanistan, while others are in neighboring countries praying for an opportunity to leave.
ICC anticipated the collapse of U.S. and Afghan forces and began moving the most vulnerable Christians and pastors out of the country before the Taliban takeover.
For those left behind, however, it’s a long and uncertain road ahead. ICC continues to rescue Afghan Christians and secure shelter for them beyond Afghanistan’s borders. There are currently about 200 families under ICC’s care — in hiding and protected.
In addition, ICC’s advocacy team is informing decision-makers with updates from the ground and telling the U.S. and world leaders what is needed to save the Christians left behind.
In the early months of 2022, ICC will launch a strategic initiative for a long-term solution for Afghan Christians stuck in transit countries without a final destination while also serving those still in hiding in Afghanistan. Working with several partners throughout the halls of power in the United States, ICC will push the international community to save these Christians and ensure that their voices are heard.
Much of this work will take place behind the scenes, but Christians in the United States can help by calling their congressional representatives and urging them to make accommodations for these severely at-risk Christians.
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