Release International
Release warns of growing threat to Christians in Afghanistan and calls for prayer for Christian relief workers |
| Aug 16 2010 |
Release International, which serves persecuted Christians worldwide, is warning of a growing threat to Christians working in Afghanistan, following the recent murder of ten aid workers. Release is also calling for prayer for Christian relief workers in that country.
Release CEO Andy Dipper, who worked in Afghanistan during the rise of the Taliban, believes the latest attack on workers for the International Assistance Mission highlights a growing danger to Christian relief workers – and also to Afghans who have embraced the Christian faith.
He warns: ‘Christians living and working in Afghanistan face the added risk of being accused of proselytism, in addition to practising their own faith privately and in community.’
The Afghan government recognises only one church, the Community Christian Church of Kabul. Other gatherings of Christian believers exist but most meet in homes. The danger to Afghan Christians and foreign Christians who are serving their nation is increasing.
But, asks Andy Dipper, ‘What risk do Christians pose to the Taliban?’
‘The Christian community have a vital part to play in the building of the nation, inspired by God to serve, driven with passion to love, and selflessly focused on those more needy than themselves.’
Mr Dipper, who worked in disaster management in Afghanistan from 1996 to 2005, believes the recent killings will make providing aid to Afghanistan a much riskier business. ‘The whole climate for aid workers in Afghanistan has changed,’ he says. ‘Humanitarian workers are in a very vulnerable position, even more so because of last weekend’s tragic incident.
‘Hundreds of humanitarian aid workers are striving under incredible pressure to deliver assistance to where it is most needed, and to build community infrastructure. They are empowering Afghans to build a future for their country – one where they have hope.’
Release is calling for prayer for Christians working in Afghanistan. Says Andy Dipper: ‘Please pray for our brothers and sisters in Christ who live and serve in Afghanistan. Pray for protection, pray for assurance and pray for opportunity to continue to love and serve those around them.’
Through its international network of missions Release supports Christians imprisoned for their faith and their families in 30 nations. It supports church workers, pastors and their families, and provides training, Bibles, Christian literature and broadcasts. Release is a member of the UK organisations Global Connections and the Evangelical Alliance.
ENDS
NOTES TO THE EDITOR
For a country profile of Afghanistan, please go to:
For further information please contact Release International on 01689 823491 or by email at info@releaseinternational.org
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