Afghanistan has faced war and terrorism since the late 1970s, as Russian troops, Taliban terrorists, and American forces have fought to restore order.

Decades of war have turned displaced Afghans into one of the world’s largest diaspora populations, and many of these refugees struggle with PTSD and other mental health issues caused by the ongoing carnage and chaos.

The Greater Toronto Area is home to a large Afghan community. Most are Sunni Muslims, and many have survived trauma, including Obed.

Born into a Muslim family in Afghanistan, Obed planned to become an imam, or Muslim leader, before he began trusting Christ—a dangerous decision in his country. He lived as a secret believer for years, but after his family discovered his Christian faith, he fled, spending almost nine years as a refugee in India.

During his time in India, Obed attended Bible college, planted an Afghan church, served as the leader of the Afghan Christian Refugees Community, and worked as a radio producer with TWR India and an audio interpreter for ISO ministries.

He also founded a Christian charity called Dari Fellowship of India, but New Delhi’s Muslim community persecuted him and his church.

Obed resettled in Canada in 2015, joining the Jesus Network and starting a house church in his home. His social media ministry produces weekly teaching videos on Facebook and YouTube, where he has hundreds of followers.

Obed’s goal is to plant churches in the Toronto area and to reach Muslims who speak Farsi, Dari, Hazaragi, Pashto, Tajiki, Urdu, Hindi, and even English.

Please pray that:

• Afghans struggling to overcome a history of oppression and violence will find refuge in the Lord (Psalm 9:9-10).
• The Lord will raise up laborers among Afghans in the Toronto area to evangelize disciple believers and start churches.
• Christians in Canada can be instruments of peace who show the power of Christ’s love to their Afghan neighbors.