“Afghanistan is one of the most challenging places in the world to follow Jesus, as well as to discover Jesus,” shared Robert*, a leader with OM’s Pamir ministry. “In the current situation within the country, Jesus followers, and even seekers of Jesus, face pressure from all sectors of society, including their families and communities. There are no churches, and having a Bible can be a risk.”
Yet, in the face of these challenges, God is at work.
For over 30 years, OM’s Pamir ministry team has been faithfully broadcasting the hope of Jesus into Afghanistan through radio. Fifteen years ago, they added TV broadcasts. More recently, they’ve expanded into social media, mobile apps and online platforms, reaching people in places where missionaries cannot go.
“Social media has opened new doors,” said Adam*, another ministry leader. “We receive many negative responses, but we focus on the positive ones—the ones that lead to a connection with our team members and deeper conversations.”
One woman who follows Pamir’s Facebook page downloaded a Bible to her phone. She later told a team member, “I read the Bible, and when I believed, my life was changed! I want to learn more.”
Another man downloaded the Bible App in Dari, the Afghan dialect of Farsi (Persian), and described how he felt light flood his heart. He now reads the Bible daily and is eager to join a Bible study with the Pamir team.
Gul*, a woman who had heard about Jesus from her son, told a team member during a follow-up call that she had already believed, and was now ready to pray and receive Christ. “Thank you for explaining the Scriptures to me,” she said. “I feel so much joy and peace.”
Because of low literacy rates in Afghanistan, Pamir’s radio and TV programs are vital tools for sharing the gospel. “Our team talks with Afghans every day, answering questions and reading the Bible to them so that they can grow in their faith,” Adam explained.
One man listens regularly to Pamir’s radio broadcasts and the audio Bible. In a way, he has studied the Gospels and is learning to respond to others with grace instead of anger. “I’m learning to put everything into God’s hands,” he said.
Robert added, “In a country where many describe their situation as hopeless, it’s critical they hear about the true hope found in Jesus. Media—radio, TV, apps and online platforms —is one of the most effective ways to do that.”
In 2024 alone, thousands of Afghans engaged with Pamir’s content across all platforms. Over 5,200 people reached out through social media, and the team had meaningful conversations with more than 2,100 of them. Another 1,799 contacted the team by phone. Out of these, 23 individuals entered ongoing discipleship relationships—a remarkable step in a country where following Jesus can cost everything.
One man who had been connecting with the team for a couple of years through social media recently said, “My questions have been answered. I’m ready to be baptized.”
In a culture where family is central, Pamir’s ministry provides a connection to the whole family. One listener shared, “I listen to your radio programs in the evenings with my family. We’ve heard so much truth, and I try to share it with my neighbors. We want to learn more from the Bible.”
Another family, long-time viewers of Pamir’s TV programs, now meets regularly with a Pamir team member for Bible study and fellowship.
“Our very first ministry, and one we still do today, is broadcasting gospel messages daily over short and medium-wave radio into Afghanistan,” Robert said. “We want everyone to hear the good news. And now, through TV, film, Bible translation, apps and social media, we’re sowing the gospel widely in places where it’s never been known.”
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*Name changed for security reasons.
