Twenty Years ago, shortly after the events of 9/11 and the initial US attack on the Taliban, Concerned Christians for Afghanistan was birthed in Memphis, Tennessee. Laurie Tucker, retired Executive Director of World Marketing of FedEx invited Pastor Sam Shaw, Dr. Mark Morris, and a handful of executives at FedEx to gather in prayer for Afghanistan. These Christian VIPs were moved by the suffering of Afghans. They expressed their concern but wanted to add tangible action to their burden for Afghanistan. At that initial prayer meeting, God ignited a dream in our hearts. It led to a small meeting of Afghan Christians led by Hussain Andaryas, a handful of American workers among Afghans. Concerned church leaders from around the US and Canada gathered in Memphis to seek the Lord for His vision for this timely moment in the history of Afghanistan.
Prayer, led to Action. Christians who had never heard of Afghanistan heard the call of God to go in obedience to Afghanistan. Health care workers, educators, community development leaders, and professionals of all types went to offer their expertise to Afghans. They joined forces so that All Peoples of Afghanistan might see the gospel lived out and hear it clearly enough to respond, “Yes” or “No.” Many Afghans have said “yes” to Jesus.
The movement of prayer and the mobilization of God’s People and Resources flooded into Afghanistan. Hundreds of small and large Christian organizations and NGOs responded to this God-inspired movement. We did good projects to benefit communities and individuals. We shared Christ as we served.
Tremendous help was provided to the peoples, villages, and cities of Afghanistan. And today we are at a similar turning point. How will God’s church respond to the tragedy and the brutality of the Taliban? Over the next 6 days, would you pray with us for the 20th anniversary of CCAfghan.org. Pray for the hundreds of Concerned Christians and Afghan followers of Jesus who gather during these days to pray and seek God’s vision for this day among Afghans. Imagine how God will work in the next 20 years!