PrayerLine

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Monday, February 24, 2014 To hear an mp3 recording of the PrayerLine, click here. http://media1.imbresources.org/files/194/19442/19442-107158.mp3  “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2, NASB) Hi, this is Eleanor Witcher of IMB’s prayer office, asking you to pray for a Central Asian people group. There are currently no known believers among the 250,000 Qizilbash-Afshari (pronounced KIH-zil-bahsh ahf-shah-REE). Though they can be found living throughout Afghanistan, most are concentrated in the urban centers of Kabul, Herat, Kandahar and Mazar. These people are craftsmen and tradesmen who have assumed significant political influence since the founding of Afghanistan as a nation. They hold strictly to Shia Islam (the minority sect in Afghanistan).  Their culture is one of grand hospitality. Guests are highly honored and cared for. It is not unusual for a Qizilbash-Afshari family to prepare their last chicken for the enjoyment of a guest. Typically upon arrival at their home, a visitor will be offered tea while acquaintance is made or friendship deepened, as their culture places their focus on people over tasks or events.  The Afghan people remain high on the World Watch List of persecution due to the extreme consequences of choosing to follow Jesus. The country of Afghanistan has been at war for as long as those living can recall. The poverty the people live in is extreme, with one of the highest infant-mortality rates worldwide and a life-expectancy average of 50 years of age. The needs of the people are countless and ever increasing, yet their need of the truth of Christ outweighs all other needs combined.  Currently the Scriptures are available in their mother tongue, Dari, as are several resources, both written and oral, including films. * Please pray that the church--individuals, families and whole congregations--will be moved to pray strategically and intentionally over the Qizilbash-Afshari without ceasing, resulting in the destruction of strongholds and access to hearts trapped in the greatest darkness. * Pray that their sense of hospitality will become a stable bridge for communicating the Gospel. * Ask God to open your heart and home to grand hospitality that allow you to reach others for Jesus.

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