Help build the Afghan church

Building the Afghan Church in the Netherlands – Our Mission, Your Mission?!

“The Taliban are the best missionaries.” This extraordinary statement seems more true than ever. The version of Islam that the Taliban advocate has sparked significant resistance among Afghans, opening them up to the Gospel. In the Netherlands, there is now a growing community of Christian Afghans. Their conversion leads to a “ripple effect”: not only do they embrace the Chrisitian faith, but also those around them, even in Afghanistan, are reached with the Gospel.

Challenges
Although this community is growing, it remains vulnerable and faces three major challenges:
Lack of Biblical education and spiritual leadership – Many converts have limited knowledge of the Christian faith and lack guidance.
Lack of unity and trust – They often feel lonely and isolated in the Netherlands.
Lack of a strong community – There is little mutual connection or network to support them.

Mission
Gave foundation and the couple Sina and Marieke are committed to strengthening this Christian Afghan community. Sina, a former Muslim and a leader within the Afghan Christian community, and his Dutch wife Marieke, with expertise in Middle Eastern culture and the Farsi language, have experience working with Afghan refugees. They know how to reach and support this community effectively.

“Behold, I am doing a new thing; now it springs up – do you not perceive it?’ (Isaiah 43:19a). This verse encouraged us last year to begin the work among Afghans in the Netherlands. It is still small, like a sprouting seed, but we believe that – under God’s guidance – it will grow and that it is part of a much larger story.” – Sina and Marieke

Strategic Approach
The Afghan Church is still young and vulnerable worldwide. Therefore, the focus is on:
Community building – Fostering community integration through meaningful relationships.
Spiritual training – Weekly Bible studies, monthly gatherings, and conferences to deepen their faith.
Leadership training – Developing a team of leaders to continue the work.
Pastoral care – Offering support to Afghans dealing with trauma and mental health issues.
Strategic guidance – Gave foundation provides coaching and evaluation.

Financial Support and Impact
This project requires an annual budget of €95.000 of which €61.500 has already been pledged. The remaining €33.500 is being sought from donors. The impact extends beyond the Netherlands: Sina and Marieke’s work has international connections and contributes to faith growth, even in Afghanistan.

With this mission, they aim to build a strong and flourishing community, together with supporters and donors. Would you like to contribute through prayer and financial support?