In Afghanistan, Akram’s mother was an established entrepreneur and hardworking beautician. Her business was their family’s only source of income, and her business thrived—until the Taliban takeover.
In 2021, the Taliban shut down all businesses run by women. Any women who didn’t close their businesses were threatened with serious repercussions. Salons and beauty parlors were especially targeted, as the Taliban considers any beauty practices forbidden for females. Akram’s mother had no choice but to close.
Seeing the spread of radical Islam instilled fear in Akram and his family. Any who refused to be indoctrinated were punished. Fearing for their overall safety, Akram’s family decided to relocate.
While Akram and his family sought out refuge, they found a group of other Afghans who were staying in a safe house. They were allowed to stay with these individuals who turned out to be Christians.
The Christians exposed Akram and his family to Jesus Christ and His gospel of love and hope. They shared how Jesus came to love all people—from everywhere. There was no hatred in His teaching. Akram and his family were overwhelmed with joy. Over time, they accepted Jesus into their hearts and were baptized.
Akram’s family knew if the Taliban found out they were Christians, they would be arrested, jailed or worse. But they weren’t going to abandon Jesus, so they fled to Pakistan.
Send emergency food and medical aid to families in Afghanistan in great need.
After a few months in their new country, one morning there was a hard knock on the door. Akram went to answer it. Radicals immediately pulled Akram from the doorway and beat him. They ridiculed him for leaving Islam. He was stabbed multiple times. He did survive the attack but would spend a month in the ICU and receive 35 stitches across his abdomen.
Fearing for their safety, Akram and his family moved across the country. They are currently living in a temporary shelter with other persecuted Christian families. However, they will not deny their faith and break their promise with God.
In 2 Corinthians 12:10, it says, “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” Akram and his family are in hiding with little provision, but they are finding eternal strength in Jesus to continue; it’s their faith that is fueling them.
Join us in praying for Akram and his family.
Lord, our hearts ache when we hear of attacks on our persecuted family. We come before You and ask complete healing for Akram; may his abdomen fully heal. We ask that You provide for Akram’s family and meet their individual needs. And we ask that Akram and his family boldly share their testimonies with those around them who don’t know You. May their lives of faith impact many. In Your name. Amen.
*Representative name and photo used to preserve security
About the authors
James Jacob and Tim Dustin write for Global Christian Relief where they make it their mission to share the stories of the persecuted with believers around the world. Get the latest blogs and prayer requests at GlobalChristianRelief.org
