By Beth Peltola

Some of my most treasured moments have been in the home of my Afghani friends.

Our friendship began through an invitation to teach English to the ladies of the home, but it soon developed into a genuine friendship, where much of our time was filled with laughter, then simply sharing life together. That is perhaps the best way to learn another language - do life together!

My American friend and I spent the best part of 5 years visiting them, almost every week. We were both single, and had more time to give to others, plus the Lord had given us a deep love for Muslim people.

Both of us disagree with the religion of Islam, but some of our best friends belong to the religion, and disagreeing with their beliefs has never come in the way of our friendships.

Our Afghani family lived right in the middle of our two homes, and so it became an eventful, and simply fun, central place to hangout.

The girls became our sisters, the boys became our brothers; they are family.

Spending time with my Afghani family was like going home to Southern Africa - the depth and strength of ancient cultures, community life, and extended-family living, is always a balm for the heart. Kids are raised in a village style set-up, surrounded by ‘Aunties’ and ‘Uncles’, big brothers and sisters - an incredibly healthy way to be raised. Together we shared joy, laughter and we had protection. Food was in an abundance - the yummiest of meals - eaten without utensils, on a clean mat, on the floor. It transported us right into the living room of a typical home in the heart of Afghanistan.

I can’t turn a blind eye to some of their religious practices which, compared to Christ, seemed to hold them back, rather than give freedom. Those differences led to many hearty discussions together. These usually centred around the spiritual realm - the side in defiance of Christ, lurking demons, or ‘jinn’ as they saw them. Beings that instilled fear and required from them Qur’anic incantations, burnt herbs and other superstitious actions, in the hopes for protection. Perhaps the green ribbon and Qur’anic verse above the door, was all a part of that. I recall a night being intrigued to see some of the ladies - we were all crammed into one room - cover up the sides of the doors and windows to protect against such forces entering in. We quipped that there were Christians sleeping in the room that night, and Jesus would keep any evil forces away. That usually got a chuckle from them, perhaps the audacity, or perhaps disbelief; but still nothing went bump in the night.

Growing up in Africa, I’ve seen the outworking of witch doctor’s at work - not nice - and some of the practices of our Afghani friends emulated some of those. Like most people in the world, when you believe something strongly, there’s a time to share, and I did. Christ broke the power of any devil when he died on the cross, and no amulet, qur’anic chant, or herbal remedy can match that kind of power. An incantation may give temporary relief, but if it is not from the source of ultimate power, no life-long freedom can be found.

I never pretended their religion was the same as mine, it wasn’t. That was apparent when the second time I visited to give an English lesson they asked if I believed God had a son. They knew from the first time we met that we were Christians. Silly to hide such a key part of who we are. They had clocked our faith quickly, simply by our life-style and outlook on life. Yet, even if we had lived the most pagan of life-styles, as most in the West now do, because we are Westerners, many Muslims from Central Asia still believe that we are all Christians. Some of my Atheistic friends would bulk at that, others wouldn’t mind, but after years of visiting with our Afghani friends we had to repeatedly inform them that we were no longer a Christian country and hadn’t been for years.

I witnessed religious commitment in their home. It was striking to see how those who returned from the pilgrimage in Mecca, the hajj, began to adopt a serious note to life - no more laughter, dancing, singing. Striking to me as a Christian, because when we meet with Christ, quite the opposite happens - we sing more, dance more (well, if you know how), laugh more, and eat in celebration. Each day as we meet with the Lord Jesus, that wonderful verse ‘the joy of the Lord is my strength’ digs down into the darkest moments of life; which, let’s face it, has likely been a reality for many of us during the past year of lockdowns and societal addiction to fear.

“Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”” (Nehemiah 8:10 NKJV)

This verse came after the people had been in captivity. Their homes, cities, places of worship had been destroyed. After incredible hardship, they finally lifted their eyes to the Lord Jesus, from whom help comes, and there began the road back to lasting recovery and established citadels.

Today, during August’s 3rd week, 2021, our Afghani friends wait to hear of loved ones trapped in the cities and villages of Afghanistan. They do not know what will become of them. Perhaps captivity will begin again, and a reign of terror will be unleashed. Or perhaps the promises made by Taliban spokesmen, outside of the country, will surprise everyone - more freedom and education for all. That said, ‘the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan” does not sound promising. Truth be told, it all depends on how well they know the Qur’an, the life of Muhammad and Islamic law - unfortunately, there are likely to be some who are well-versed within the new Taliban order.

My heart grieves for my Afghani friends. I can’t imagine what they are currently going through. They don’t know the Lord Jesus as Saviour. They will be crying out to Allah, and embarking on many more religious rituals in the hopes of a better hearing. They don’t have a view of God who is a Father to them, who, because of His love, sent His Son Jesus to die in their place. King Jesus actively pursued taking our sin onto himself. He stood between us and judgement, gave His life so we don’t ultimately have to give ours, because he sees we human beings repeatedly make a mess of things. Afghanistan, neglect of the elderly and the confusion we are feeding our children, are a stark reminder of our failures.

The Lord knows we tend to wobble in our convictions and struggle to live His life of goodness and purity, and He sends us the Holy Spirit to help, guide and care for us through every day of our lives. Through the Holy spirit we have courage, peace, and calm, no matter what lies ahead for us and our families.

I can’t personally remedy what is going on in Afghanistan, but I can and will pray to my Heavenly Father for my Afghani family - they know I do not pray to Allah - and I will ask for the Lord Jesus to reveal who He is to them. He has done that for many around the world.

I can’t directly change the minds of the Taliban, but I know the one who can. I know the one who is seeing what is happening on the ground right now in Afghanistan. Perhaps its people have never heard of Christ - Current Western dabblers in other people’s political affairs don’t tend to be ambassadors of the greatest news on earth - but Christ can reach them, regardless of our godlessness and misguided ideals.

Right now, oh Christian, if you are reading this - it is time to reach out to Afghani friends and neighbours in love and comfort. It is time to pray, pray, pray. It is time to cry out for mercy on all our lands, because none of us are doing great. Few in our lands are returning to Christ. Few are seeking repentance and thereby receiving in the light of true beauty and goodness. Of course there is much beauty in this world - Christ made it, so there would be, but the human race isn’t doing a very good job maintaining beauty and goodness in its interactions with others, especially those different from us.

If we truly want to bless the lives of Afghanis, and those within our own borders, lives lived under the light of the Lord Jesus, the source of joy, comfort and courage, is the way forward.