As I watch the world events unfold, especially in Afghanistan, I am reminded of a painful time in my childhood. A pain no child should endure, yet so many are, even today. When I lived in Northern Iraq, we faced so much persecution due to my Christian faith, my family’s missionary work, and our service to the American organizations such as United Nations, Red Cross, and UNICEF, which is typical and expected. However, every so often, we received news of the United Nations leaving Iraq. The UN and the American presence in Iraq was the only form of peace we experienced because of the protection they provided. If they left, it meant death for us but not before severe torture.
It became very close for them to leave on multiple occasions, and on those nights, all I remember is fear. Overwhelming fear that vibrated through every fiber of my being. I imagined the various forms of torture and rape to prepare myself for what was to come. Although nothing could prepare me, I had to brace myself just in case. No human being should feel that, and yet, today, as I sit on my comfortable couch in my peaceful neighborhood listening to the rain and thunderstorm, while I type this so many children are facing much worse than what I ever did.
By no means is this a political post. This is a mere plea for prayers. Ongoing prayers!
Praying for someone is one of the most vital forms of support. And today, I urge you to get on your knees, even if prayer is not something you are comfortable with. Pray for those in need. Pray for those who are hurting and lost. And especially, pray for Afghanistan. I can imagine their fear right now. You don’t have to relate to someone to be able to pray for them. You just need the courage to pray and faith to believe that God will show up in ways you will never understand.