Years of violence in Afghanistan have created a generation of especially vulnerable children; those who have lost one or both of their parents. Although the hardship of those who have lost a father is acute (since mothers cannot work to provide), those who have lost a mother can also face great challenges.
Our partners in Afghanistan sent us a picture of a little boy, perhaps six years old, whose mother has died. He spends his days looking after his father’s sheep. Although that kind of life would be considered tough in any country for a little boy, in Afghanistan there are added dangers to worry about. Our contact writes:
“Vulnerable boys like this one are often in danger of being kidnapped and trained by the Taliban. These trainings often take 3-4 years in undisclosed locations. These children are taught how to kill and how to be suicide bombers.”
With no adult supervision, these young boys are the perfect prey for the Taliban. Child soldiers are fully dependent and more loyal than adult soldiers. They can also be brainwashed more easily than adults to go on suicide missions.
For these precious children, the believers in Afghanistan want to offer security and opportunities for their future. Our partner writes:
“We have become involved in helping these boys go to school and be under adult supervision where they are less likely to be kidnapped.”
When Jesus said, ‘let the little children come to Me’, He showed how much the wellbeing of children was on his heart. He wanted to be bothered by them. He wanted them to be held and blessed. His kingdom was wide open for them.
We thank God for our partners in Afghanistan who also open their arms in Jesus’ name to these little shepherd boys. Please pray for them today.
Thank you so much for your obidience in following Jesus‘s demand.