Introduction / History

Ever since the USSR invaded Afghanistan in 1979 there have been waves of Afghan refugees fleeing for safety. Most of them have wound up in either neighboring Pakistan or Iran, but some have made their way to the peaceful shores of European countries. Others have gone to the United States, a nation that had troops there for 19 years.

Earlier Afghan refugees settled in places like Freemont California. In the 2020s, they are more likely to settle in small cities and towns throughout the country. They are best represented in California, New York and Virginia.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Afghans in the United States are desperate to get away from the violence in their own country and to re-locate to a peaceful land. Those who have marketable skills are usually able to relocate without much trouble, especially if they have a good education and marketable skills.

Afghan-Americans have served in the U.S. in the areas of business, academics, the arts and sports. They often own real estate in Afghanistan, but it is unlikely they will be able to access it for the time being.

At home, Afghans usually wear Afghan clothes, watch Afghan TV shows and follow Afghan politics. Outside the home they have learned to adapt to living like the general American population. As time goes on, parents have had less say in whom their children marry, but they must marry inside the Muslim faith.

What Are Their Beliefs?

There are three large ethnic groups in Afghanistan: The Pashtuns and Tajiks are Sunni Muslims, and the Hazaras are Shia. They are dedicated to the religious system we call Islam, though they all have their pre-Islamic beliefs as well. Many are disillusioned with Islam because it was the rallying point for the Taliban. Christ followers have an excellent opportunity to demonstrate the true righteousness of Christ which contrasts with the false righteousness of the Taliban.

What Are Their Needs?

It is not helping anyone when refugees cannot contribute to the economy of the host country. The Afghans in the United States desperately need job and language training. Others need trauma counseling after living in a war zone.

Prayer Points

Pray for the Afghans in the United States to get Christ-centered trauma counseling.
Pray for Christian believers to teach marketable job skills and the local language to these people who are desperate to find a safe homeland.
Pray for a movement to Christ among Afghans in the United States.
Pray for the Holy Spirit to move in Afghan communities in such a way that they tire of the old ways of violence and seek holiness, which they will only find in the person of Jesus Christ.

Scripture Prayers for the Afghani, general in United States.

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Afghan_Americans
https://www.state.gov/afghan-arrivals-under-the-u-s-refugee-admissions-program/
https://www.aljazeera.com/features/2023/8/16/afghans-fled-for-a-better-future-but-2-years-later-its-a-dream-for-most