Samir: persecution in Afghanistan & the transforming hope of Christ

Whit's End: Real People, Hard Questions

Note: This podcast contains graphic content including domestic violence and the persecution of Christians.

We pray this episode moves you to respond in prayer as well as support the ministry of Lumens of Truth that Samir has started!

We encourage you to consider giving financially to support this ongoing work. You can donate through Servants International by clicking here. Under Designation, choose Lumens of Truth (not Afghan Support). All tax receipts will be processed by Servants International.

My hope and prayer is that you're moved to respond after listening to Samir's powerful testimony. As he mentioned, would we first be moved to pray for those experiencing intense persecution in Afghanistan, to pray for the laborers who are working to share the light of the gospel with those in darkness, and pray that the hope of Christ would continue to reach those who don't know him. Would we also ask God to turn our hearts from our desire to seek comfort above all and move us to care deeply for the global church, the body of Christ around the world. Lumens of Truth is in the process of raising $1500/month. They are hoping to have 10 supporters at $100/monthly and 10 supporters at $50/monthly. Use the link above to join Samir's team and set up a regular donation. Folks, this is one of those times I believe God is calling us to use our resources for something so big and meaningful and eternal!

If you'd like to reach out directly to Samir, contact him at [e-mail]. He would love to talk further about his work in Afghanistan or visit your church to share further about partnering with this ministry!

Quotes and verses:

“The gospel is precisely this invitation to pick up your cross.”

“Faith becomes alive through persecution.”

“The bride of Christ is in pain in many parts of the world.”

“We are giving hope to the people who have no hope.”

“My prayer is that we won’t carry this pain by ourselves.”

“I pray that the mission to the unreached people of Afghanistan and those who are most persecuted would not just be my mission but the church’s mission, and we would take this mantel for the sake of His name being praised among those who call themselves Taliban today, that they would become followers of Jesus tomorrow.”

“Where you see persecution, there you see the hand of God.”

“The gospel is not about words only, it’s about the power of God.”

“Let’s be a people that go before their Lord and confess that we have been a people that seek their comfort above all things.”

Romans 5:3-5 - suffering produces endurance

Colossians 1:24 - “Now I rejoice in my suffering for your sake, and in my flesh I am filling up what is lacking in Christ’s affliction for the sake of his body, the church.”

Matthew 16:24-25 - take up your cross

Philippians 1:29 - suffering for his sake