August 1, 2025

Fifteen years ago, on Aug 5, 2010, an international team of Christian workers was attacked, and 10 of them were murdered in the northeastern mountains of Afghanistan. They were returning from providing a two-week eye camp in a remote mountain village, several days’ drive off the main roads. They had performed sight-saving surgeries, dispensed glasses that enabled the poorly-sighted to see again, and treated various eye ailments among the local population. They prayed for their patients and shone the light of Christ into a place that had never experienced it before. And yet, despite their good deeds and kindness, they were somehow seen as a threat by some, and they were murdered. An investigation later revealed that the attackers were not locals, but had come from another region, maybe another country, to carry out the horrific acts.

We grieved with the families that lost loved ones on that trip. Some were seasoned workers, and some were in their first term, serving together. Most Afghans, when they heard the news of the murders, were very upset too—especially those who were long associated with the eye program. The international team was shocked, as some members had lived and served in Afghanistan for over 30 years. We were in the US when it happened, and it hit us like a gut punch. The remaining team pulled together, and by God’s grace, continued the eye care program as well as other programs the team was supporting. 

I remember crying out to God: “Lord, I don’t understand this, but raise up more of your workers and send them out to bring hope and light to the lost. May your church all over the world hear of this and respond with love and send hundreds of your people forth.” 

Persevering in the Face of Opposition

I was reminded of missionary stories from over 100 years ago, where many servants of the Lord perished in China. And yet, we, as the church, didn’t give up on China. We continued to send forth new workers, and they served as long as they were able, whether for just a few years or many. Some died because of rampant disease; others died in civil unrest and conflict.

It took years, even multiple decades, to see fruit multiply in China. But now, after countless missionaries and local Chinese Christians gave their lives, the church has grown incredibly. According to the Chinese government, it is almost 40 million, but outside estimates suggest it is much closer to 100 million. 

Overcome Fear with Faith

We have to remember that Satan has twisted the hearts and minds of millions of Muslims, and they live in bondage and darkness. We are called to be people of truth and to be hope and light to the nations. The vast majority of Muslims are not fanatics. They are not out to kill us, but they are just as lost as the fanatics. They are just as lost as your neighbor and mine, who doesn’t know Jesus.

We are not to fear Muslims—we are called to love them. It is easy to give in to fear and pull back. But if those early missionaries to China had given in to fear, where would the church in China be today?

Let us pray and ask God to help us overcome our fear of Muslims and share the gospel with them. We need to continue sending workers overseas to predominantly Muslim regions, and also reach out to Muslims in our midst here in the West.