Introduction / History

Ever since the USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979 there have been waves of Afghan refugees fleeing for safety. Most of them have wound up in either neighboring Pakistan or Iran, but some have made their way to the more peaceful shores of European countries including the Netherlands.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Afghans in the Netherlands are desperate to get away from the violence in their own country and to re-locate to a peaceful land. Those who have marketable skills are usually able to relocate while those without such skills are not welcome in places like the Netherlands. The latter group can easily get stuck in refugee camps.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are three large ethnic groups in Afghanistan: The Pashtuns and Tajiks are Sunni Muslims, and the Hazaras are Shia. They are dedicated to the religious system we call Islam, though they all have their pre-Islamic beliefs as well.

What Are Their Needs?

It is not helping anyone when refugees cannot contribute to the economy of the host country. The Afghans in the Netherlands desperately need job training and the opportunity to do something constructive. Loving Christian believers can provide this needed service to these Muslims.

Prayer Points

Pray for believers to teach marketable job skills and the local language to these people who are desperate to find a safe homeland.

Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Afghan communities in such a way that they tire of the old ways of violence and seek holiness, which they will only find in the person of Jesus Christ.

Pray for a disciple making movement among Afghans in the Netherlands.

Scripture Prayers for the Afghani, general in Netherlands.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_diaspora