Ariana, an Afghan Christian, is in danger of being erased. She’s not alone. Persecuted Christian women are in peril – and they need your help.
The phone call, when it came, was menacing.
“My brother called me,” said Ariana*, an Afghan Christian in exile in Central Asia. “He said, ‘I heard you became a Christian. If you’re under pressure, I will come and save you. But if not, I am willing to sell the carpet under my feet to come and kill you myself.’”
It’s a chilling threat which hangs over Ariana, a wife and mother, every day.
But the truth is, her brother’s warning is not the first assault on Ariana’s freedom. Ever since she was a young girl in Afghanistan, Ariana’s voice and rights have been eroded…
Restricted and pressured
Since the Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, life for women has become incredibly restricted. Ariana was not allowed to work or leave home without a male guardian, and eventually she was forced into marriage.
But Ariana’s new family were hiding a huge secret.
They were Christians.
Where do Christians experience the
most persecution?
When the whole family fled to Central Asia, they shared their faith with Ariana. “I saw how much oppression Muslim women lived under,” said Ariana. “It helped me see that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.”
Ariana chose to follow Jesus, but it comes at a price. Landlords won’t rent a home to Ariana, her children are at risk, and at any time she could be deported – and executed. “That’s our biggest fear… being sent back,” she said.
An Open Doors partner in Central Asia says, “Christian women in Afghanistan are some of the most marginalized people in the world. Even refugee women who follow Jesus must keep their faith secret.”
Persecution is an insidious force in Ariana’s life. It has driven her from home, stolen her freedom and stripped away her identity. Now, Ariana is in danger of being erased. And she’s not alone.
Even in exile, Ariana and her family have to be careful about their faith.
Silenced, unseen, suffering
Across the world, Christian women are intensely vulnerable. Their suffering is often hidden, and they need help. At Open Doors, our vision is to ensure every persecuted woman is seen, valued, and empowered to reach her God-given potential.
Your gifts and prayers can strengthen Ariana’s faith, teach our Christian sisters about their value, provide emergency relief, and train women in job-related skills.
Persecuted women are in danger of being erased – but you can help restore them.
“God’s children will always face suffering,” says Ariana. “But nothing can separate us from the love of God. This is what gives us strength for the hardships we face.”
Pray
- Pray that Ariana will be filled with boldness and courage as she shares her faith.
- Ask God to protect Christian women in Afghanistan, who are in extreme danger.
- Pray for persecuted Christian women everywhere, that they will be seen and valued.
Give
Every $33 could give Bibles to two persecuted women determined to follow Jesus.
Every $52 could provide food to a woman and her family fleeing extreme persecution.
Every $96 could help train to a vulnerable woman to survive persecution.
