Afghanistan

Leader: President Hamid Karzai
Population: 28.15 million (thousands of Christians)
Main Religion: Islam
Government: Islamic republic
World Watch Rank: 03

Christians who are open about their faith face pressure from family, society and the government.  Believers usually try to stay under the radar and do not meet together publicly because of concerns for safety. In June 2010 the deputy secretary of Parliament called for the execution of Christian converts after the baptism of Afghan Christians was shown on TV. As a result, many Christians went into hiding. In August 2010 several Christian aid workers were killed by the Taliban.

Please Pray:

• For strength for secret believers under pressure to renounce their faith
• For Christian Radio and TV programmes to encourage isolated believers and help seekers to find the way to Jesus
• For wisdom for young Christians, both physically and spiritually, who are eager to share the gospel with others despite the risks.