Many years ago in Bible College, I remember Dr. R__ Y___ preaching a sermon called, “The Hyssop That Springeth Out of the Wall.” He quoted from I Kings 4:33, a passage that summarized many of the accomplishments of Solomon. From there, he directed our attention to the night of the first Passover, challenging us that “any old hyssop branch can apply the blood.” It was a reminder of the command to all Christians to win souls and that God will use below-average people to do extraordinary things—if we will obey Him.

It is in that spirit that I bring you a prayer letter from a giant. A man whom M___ (my Persian translator) and I began training online over two years ago—and then one day, he vanished. In Afghanistan, this is not unusual. What is unusual is when they reappear. My friend M——za was released from prison in an Afghani city, and it was only by God’s grace that he endured. He was imprisoned for his faith in Jesus. God kept him alive, along with a number of other believers who are still incarcerated. This week, M___, a pastor with whom I work in Turkey, pulled me into a group call so that my son and I could pray with him.

Thirty-six hours ago, M——za sent me his testimony of events over the last year. He also sent a copy of the official sentencing document from the Taliban court. No doubt, the rough translation from Pashto to English is a Google translation, but it captures the heart of this man and the experience he went through. It teaches us that our labors are not in vain, and your prayers and support have helped to bring miraculous results from “impossible” places. It also reminds me of how insulated we are in Christian America from the hardships that so many others endure. They truly value the Gospel because it’s all they have. Please pray for M——za and his family.

Here is his story, in his words:

Its M___za A___i 30 years Old from Afghanistan 3 years ago I was introduced with M___ and Bro B___ and evangelized tome, although there is No Church in this country I was able to participate in the holy meetings of Jesus Christ with the efforts of Brothers. And over time and participating in the meetings, I found a rebirth in the name of Jesus Christ and accepted Christ in my heart and became one of the believers and my life was filled with peace and intimacy and my heart was in peace and wordof Lord. Until on 28 Dec 2022, on Tuesday when I was returning home from work I was arrested by the Taliban terrorist group and I did not understand at all what the reason for my arrest was and where they wanted to take me. After that I found and know arrested by the Taliban’s intelligence Department on the phone I had with our believing Ismail brother.

For 2 months I was under the supervision and inspection of intelligence department of Taliban and during this time all kinds of mental and physical tortures were out on me by this group, during of torture they threatened me if you do not show us the addresses of the other member of faithful brothers, we will arrest and torture your family. If you renew your faith we will release you, otherwise you will be sentenced to prison.

Thanks God that faith in Jesus Christ was strong in my heart and I remained in faith, Lord helped me and strength to get through those difficult days.

Then I was transferred to the court and there I found out other believing brothers were also there and sentenced me to prison for one year. After the court we were transferred to the public prison and during this period of one year harassed, blamed and humiliated by the other prisoners and officials who were in the prison, saying that you are a Christian and need to cut your neck. I was even beaten in prison by the Taliban in prison, during this period even my family was persecuted, controlled and monitored by Taliban.

I thank God that I was freed and now living secretly and hide in one of the far cities of Afghanistan and I am still being persecuted by the Taliban group. The physical and mental tortures that I saw from the Taliban have affected me negatively at this moment and I cannot heal the current economic situation Please dear brother pray for me so that I can be more in God’s word and whatever he wants to happen in my life.

Prey Request:

1. For physical and mental health
2. For the safety of myself and my family
3. To be more in the words of God
4. To save from this situation

Missionary #6505