Afghanistan (MNN) — For many Afghan children, “peace” is often an unknown concept, as they have been born into and raised in environments marked by conflict and survival.

But that is something they deeply desire to have. Greg Yoder with Keys for Kids Ministries says, “Most of these kids are struggling with just having peace.”Remove featured image

He explains, “There have been tremendous amounts of war, rumors of war, terrorist activity in Afghanistan.”

Afghan children (Photo courtesy of KFK)

This instability has driven many people to seek peace for this life and beyond in the prevailing religion. However, often used as a tool within the dominant system, it has largely produced fear and uncertainty about one’s worth and eternity. It has also shaped childhood for many.

So when God opened the door for Keys for Kids Ministries to enter Afghanistan, He also provided people willing to distribute Gospel materials there — including devotionals and solar-powered MP3 players loaded with the Audio Bible and Keys for Kids stories.

“It’s designed to allow them to listen, in a kind of an entertaining way, to the story, but then the story points them back to Scripture,” says Yoder.

Testimonies from local partners

In one case, an 11-year-old Afghan boy was living in an orphanage after his parents were killed in a suicide bombing. While in the orphanage, he was also trying to support his three siblings. But one event change his life forever.

Representative photo: Traditional Afghan Attire in Rural Setting (Photo courtesy of Faruk Tokluoğlu via Pexels)

“He was asked to be a child actor on our storytellers,” says Yoder.

Though the boy knew the Quran by heart, it did not give him peace. But as he learned more through stories about Jesus, he encountered the unconditional love and hope of Christ. He accepted the Gospel and began sharing it with other children in the orphanage. But that’s not all.

“He went back to his own village,” adds Yoder, “and he shared the Gospel with one of the village elders, and he came to faith in Christ!”

Another testimony, Yoder says, is of parents being saved through these materials. When children listen, their families listen too — and they begin to seek the same peace and hope.

Afghan kids play with a kite (Photo courtesy of Farid Ershad via Unsplash)

“Since it’s such a simplistic way of explaining biblical truth, the adults are understanding it. It’s speaking to them!” says Yoder.

So, this impact is being seen not only in the lives of children, but also in their families and communities — which is why many churches are being planted across the nation.

You can help bring the Gospel to more Afghan communities! Support Keys for Kids Ministries, and also pray for the courage and wisdom of those sharing these Gospel tools in Afghanistan. They often risk their health and lives to bring the Gospel to their nation and need your faithful intercession.

Header photo: Afghan kids play with a kite (Photo courtesy of Farid Ershad via Unsplash).