Kabul, Christos and a Brother in Chains

“Our brother remains steadfast, despite the ostracism and beatings,” one of his friends told Compass.

I don’t usually post from personal email; however, here’s a note that I think stands on it’s own. A good friend who is a part of our little fellowship here in The Village, made us aware of this happening early in the week. The resulting email is here:

Dearest church,

I know it's a bit late in the afternoon for a coffee break; nonetheless, it allows a minute to send out an email that's been brewing most of the week. I apologize for the delay; however, I like to research news articles before passing them on and I don't always get this done in the timing I'd like. Funny - things like work, completing taxes, prepping for bible study, laughing with the kids, grabbing coffee with a friend, etc. protract the time line on what might otherwise be a simple task. (He says smiling, happy and joyfully.) Anyway, I know we're all in the same boat of living out an integrated faith in our most awesome Savior; so, I suspect you understand the delay.

N. H. sent a note earlier this week suggesting that we pray for Abdul Rahman. I think she's right. How about you? Here are a few excerpts from articles to provide some context. Let us pray. - Thom

KABUL, Afghanistan - An Afghan man who allegedly converted from Islam to Christianity is being prosecuted in a Kabul court and could be sentenced to death, a judge said Sunday. (Associated Press, Sun Mar 19, 10:50 AM)

AFGHANISTAN: Apostasy Case Reminds Christians to Pray for Nation March 23, 2006 The Voice of the Martyrs

The ongoing trial in Kabul of Abdul Rahman, a 41-year-old Afghan Christian, reminds Americans that though Afghanistan has been freed from Taliban control, true freedom of worship does not exist there. He faces a possible death sentence for converting to Christianity.

Rahman reportedly became a Christian 16 years ago while working with a Christian aid group in Pakistan. His conversion became public because of a custody dispute involving his two daughters.

Recent media reports suggest that charges against Rahman may be dropped due to questions about his mental fitness for trial. VOM sources say that he has suffered from depression in the past. The mental issues may give the Afghan legal system a face-saving way out in a case that has drawn international attention and criticism.

To Read More Click Here

Related articles:

AFGHANISTAN : MORE CHRISTIANS ARRESTED IN WAKE OF ‘APOSTASY’, Compass Direct.
'JUDGES TO RULE’ on Kabul convert, BBC News

Further On: If you wish to chase the thread of Christ-like love in the face of persecution, you can also read: "Satan Wants to Kill Our Love for Muslims But He Can’t", Open Doors

Here are a few quotes from the article:

“Satan wants to kill our love for the Muslims but he can’t,” Palestinian Bible Society Director Labib Madanat said. “This loves comes from Christ. We see Christ in them by faith. We see God’s image in them, as it is in all humanity, and they deserve to be loved.”

“We are serving the people of Gaza,” Madanat said. “The hostility we are experiencing is because of our service work to the community. We are close to the people. We love them by serving them, hugging them, and being there for them. That is what Satan doesn’t like.

“People have come to the Lord and we couldn’t understand why there wasn’t much opposition to date, because although we don’t invite martyrdom or persecution, Jesus tells us we need to expect it.” (Full Story Click Here)