Silenced voices share the gospel in Afghanistan
As restrictions on women’s rights and religious freedom intensify in Afghanistan, an innovative social media programme is giving a platform to silenced voices and offering an “encounter with Jesus” to a people in desperate need of peace.
Church4Afghanistan, which launched in 2022, is now in its third season, attracting over 200,000 views to its live weekly broadcast on Facebook and Instagram since January this year. The latest season features three regular slots presented by Afghan women – a powerful statement in a context where their presence in society has been systematically suppressed.
One of the slots, presented by Helen, is a teaching series exploring key female biblical figures including Tamar, Rahab, Leah, Rebecca and Hagar. Another female contributor is Tayebeh, who shares a short Christian reflection each episode. And Dr Tina, a psychologist, provides advice to help her fellow Afghans overcome the mental, emotional and spiritual consequences of violence and other traumatic events. Topics covered in recent episodes include anxiety, the importance of belonging, and how to turn despair into hope.
Reza Jafari, SAT-7 PARS Multimedia Senior Manager, said that the presence of Afghan Christian women and experts on Church4Afghanistan “is not only a declaration of faith, but a proclamation of dignity and equality, a beacon to Afghan women everywhere that they too have a voice in the Kingdom of God”.
Since the Taliban took over Afghanistan in August 2021, women and girls have seen their rights and freedoms destroyed, including access to education and employment. The latest human rights report by the UN mission to Afghanistan (UNAMA), published in May, found that the Taliban have followed through on decrees aimed at erasing women from public life in the country and restricting their freedom of movement. The report also found an increase in repressive restrictions on media outlets and the clampdown on religious freedom.1
“SPIRITUAL LIFELINE”
In this extremely challenging context, where there are huge obstacles to faith in Christ and where Christians must keep their faith hidden or risk severe punishment, Church4Afghanistan is meeting a need for believers and seekers. “It is not just a live programme; it is a spiritual lifeline for Afghan Christians and seekers hungry for truth, healing and belonging,” said Reza. “For many viewers, this is their first real encounter with Jesus.”
Church4Afghanistan viewer Nader feels the isolation intensely. “We no longer have the freedom to gather and hold prayer meetings,” he said. “Please keep Afghanistan and our people in your prayers for freedom.”
Through Bible teaching, worship, prayer, and testimonies in the Afghan languages, Dari and Pashto, Church4Afghanistan is helping people like Nader to grow in their faith. And the participatory nature of the programme provides a very real sense of fellowship and connection. “Viewers are not passive; they are part of the story,” Reza said. “They send in prayers, share testimonies, and connect live with a growing community of believers who remind them they are not alone.”
FINDING FAITH
After suffering so much through wars, oppression and deprivation, many people in Afghanistan are drawn to the peace and hope of the Gospel. “I live in Afghanistan and I want to come to faith,” said SAT-7 PARS viewer Parham. “Christian people are calmer and live peacefully but others live in war and bloodshed. For this reason, I want to come to faith.”
Alvand is another Afghan viewer who is looking for peace in place of despair. “I am weary of this people, this culture, this religion,” he shared with us. “I really want to have peace and live quietly. I don’t know much about Christianity… But if it is a direct relationship with God, as Jesus says, I want it.”
Reza described it as “miraculous” given the circumstances facing the Afghan Church, how the number of people interested in Christ is growing. “We believe one of the reasons for this is that Jesus is the opposite of everything they suffer and the fulfilment of everything they lack,” he added. “In the wilderness of censorship, religious fear and cultural trauma, Church for Afghanistan stands as a prophetic voice, offering not just a message, but a home and safe community, a family, and a future in Christ.”