Day 7: Pray for lasting freedom

For centuries Sunni Muslim countrymen persecuted the Shia Muslim Hazaras. The Hazara endured genocide practiced in the name of Islam. They are disillusioned and seeking the true way. Pray that the Hazara will find the living truth, Christ Jesus, and lasting freedom in Him.

“When I break my people’s chains and set them free from those who made them slaves, then they will know that I am the Lord.” —Ezekiel 34:27b

The Hazara's story

Every year, the mullah(priest) leads as all the men chant and beat themselves as they mourn their martyred leader. On the 10th day of mourning, young men carrying knives attached to chains will repeatedly sling the weapon over their shoulders onto their own bare backs. By beating themselves, they identify with their leader who suffered all his life and then was murdered without cause. Throughout all generations the Hazara have been despised and downtrodden.

“The Hazara have known persecution and rejection throughout our entire history. Our face and our faith are different from other Afghans. For this reason the Hazara are the lowest class. For this reason our people are murdered. Why? In the name of Islam. There must be a better way,” speculates one youth.

In desperation, calling themselves 'Freedom Fighters', the Hazara resisted Taliban's rule. In response, Taliban cruised through their villages with machine guns shooting every man, woman and child whose eyes were slanted.

Year after year, atrocities were committed. The world could not hear their cries. But God did!

The Hazara freedom fighters willingly joined the American army in the fight against Taliban. They became known as the Northern Alliance. Today, the Hazara are grateful for their freedom as they return to their homeland.

As a result of all the years of persecution and oppression, today the Hazara are hungry for an everlasting freedom. Their Muslim faith has failed them. They are searching for the truth and some are beginning to find it in the person of Jesus Christ!

“He was despised and rejected ... wounded for our sin ... by His stripes, we are healed.” Isaiah 53

Pray that the Hazara will respond as a people to the love of Jesus during these days of opportunity in Afghanistan. Pray that they will identify with the death of the Lord Jesus and put their faith in his saving work on the cross. Pray for eternal freedom!

Use Isaiah 58:6 and John 8:36 as you pray.