Two years ago Afghanistan fell and the world watched in sorrow at all the devastating effects. While initially the world was eager to help, over time interest faded as new tragedies struck and people became distracted by their own lives once again. You may be wondering what, if anything, is still being done to help the Afghan people who are still reeling to pick up the pieces of all that was lost when the Taliban took over.
Thankfully, the answer to the question of whether or not there is still help for Afghanistan is yes. Along with many initiatives to serve the Afghan people, many churches, organizations, and ministries have joined forces to provide safe houses and relocation for those in dire need.
At Global Catalytic Ministries, thanks to the support of our team of donors, we have launched more than thirty safe houses since the fall of Kabul two years ago and have consequently seen nearly three thousand men, women, and children safely moved through our houses and relocated to discipleship communities where they can begin new lives. Our safe houses have provided both a temporary haven to these individuals desperate for help as well as an opportunity to hear the gospel, leading many to Christ.
These types of initiatives are essential, allowing us to meet the practical needs Christ calls us to meet while also meeting the eternal need that is the ever aching soul of humanity.
After all, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, “Go in peace, be warmed and filled,” without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead” (James 2: 14-17 ESV).
We aim to obey the call of Christ, meeting the desperate need in front of us and thereby opening the door to also share the gospel.
The response has been incredible. One family has allowed us to share their story of just what that meant for them:
The very first refugee family we served included a Christian husband with a non believing wife and children. We were ready to shower them in love and care, serving in practical needs and meeting them with the relentless love of Christ. This family was overwhelmed by what they experienced and came to believe in Jesus themselves.
As they departed our safe house for their new home, the wife shared with us her testimony of how the love and care she found in the safe house introduced her to the love and care she now finds directly from God. Today their family are active participants in their local church, saved both bodily from harm in Afghanistan and more importantly, eternally through faith in Christ.
Running these safe houses has been an incredible experience, allowing us to serve not only the physical needs of the people before us but also the deeper needs of the soul. Unfortunately, the work is not finished. There are still sixteen people in the safe houses awaiting a permanent move where theft can start their lives afresh. We continue to work tirelessly on their behalf, but we need more help.
Consider joining our team of donors at only $59 a month to meet the immediate need of these sixteen individuals still waiting, continue to run our safe houses and serve the many more in need, and support initiatives like this one in the future. The need is now. The solution is all of us, united together in activated compassion, meeting the lost and broken with the practical and eternal love of Christ.
