Afghanistan’s New Laws Raise Stakes for Gospel Outreach

Afghanistan's New Laws Raise the Stakes for Gospel Outreach — Afghanistan’s New Laws Raise the Stakes for Gospel Outreach

Last week, Afghanistan’s government took another step in tightening its grip on society, rolling out new morality laws under the Taliban regime. These rules are being presented as efforts to eliminate vice and promote virtue according to strict Islamic teachings. Among the many restrictions, one particularly alarming rule now forbids women from speaking in public spaces.

In the midst of this escalating repression, there’s a glimmer of hope. Greg Yoder from Keys for Kids Ministries has some news that couldn’t be more timely. Soon, their solar-powered MP3 players, known as Storytellers, will be available in Pashto—a major language in Afghanistan.

The timing of this project’s completion is nothing short of divine. Keys for Kids partnered with FMI last year to translate their resources into Pashto, and now, the text is finished, the audio is almost ready, and they’re gearing up to distribute these Storytellers in one of the most unreached parts of the world.

“Our partner, FMI, has been working around the clock to get Keys for Kids translated into Pashto,” Yoder shares, his voice full of anticipation. “The text is done, the audio is nearly there, and now we’re on the brink of purchasing the MP3 players to start getting them into Afghanistan.”

Why is this so exciting? Yoder explains, “There’s a hunger, a deep craving for truth among Afghans. When these kids hear the stories and Scripture through our Keys for Kids resources, it’s going to change lives—starting with the men who first encounter it.”

And when these men find Christ through the messages, they’re likely to share this newfound hope with their families.

“I can’t help but think about the impact it could have on young people, especially the women—both young and old—as they learn about Jesus and His profound love for them,” Yoder says with a note of hope.

Though the number of new believers remains unknown, what’s clear is that people are coming to faith in secret, under the radar. “We have a contact who tells us that the desire to know Jesus is incredibly strong, even though it’s being kept quiet for now,” Yoder adds.

But this mission is not without its risks. Yoder emphasizes the need for prayer, especially for those who will be carrying these audio resources across the border—a task that could quickly turn life-threatening.

“This needs to be a grassroots effort,” he urges. “We’re praying that God will grant wisdom and courage to those committed to sharing Jesus with Pashto speakers.”

If you feel moved to support this critical mission, your financial gift can help propel it forward. Visit the Keys for Kids webpage to find out how you can contribute and listen to a sample of their impactful stories.

In these dark times, the light of the gospel shines all the brighter.