Mahdi* and Family
Funding Progress
($10,000 AUD)
About Mahdi* and His Family
Missionaries in Afghanistan eventually return to their home countries, leaving behind the people they had discipled and encouraged in their faith.
Mahdi is one of those believers; he was only 14 years old when he decided to follow Jesus. He knew the risks involved in embracing Christianity, as leaving Islam is considered apostasy in his community. Despite this, he chose to remain faithful to his new beliefs.
Since becoming a Christian, Mahdi has endured significant hardship. He has faced bullying, threats, discrimination, and displacement because of his faith. Like many others in similar situations, he was forced to leave his home in search of safety.
As Mahdi explains, “No one wants to flee unless their life is in danger.”
Today, Pakistan has become one of the most difficult and dangerous places for Muslim-background believers and refugees. Unfortunately, Mahdi has little hope of resettlement in a third country because he cannot access protection or support through the UNHCR process in Pakistan where he escaped to with his family.
We have been privileged to walk alongside people like Mahdi throughout their journey, helping them navigate complex application processes while providing practical assistance, encouragement, and care during an incredible challenging season of life.
We invite you to read his story below, to pray for him, and to consider partnering with us as we continue to stand with vulnerable believers facing persecution.
August 2026
Mahdi’s Story
“My name is Mahdi. I am with my wife and daughter. We are Hazara Christians from Afghanistan.
In 2008 when I was 14, I was introduced to Christianity by missionaries in Kabul. Eventually, these missionaries were forced to leave due to hostility from the community, but I continued to practice Christianity privately. As time went on, the community started to suspect that I had converted.
‘Kafir’
As I worked, my colleagues began to refer to me as ‘kafir’ – a label that openly stated that I had betrayed the Islamic faith, a serious offence under Islamic law. They repeatedly told me to either become a normal Muslim and pray to Allah, or leave.
The risk of being exposed was not just a vague threat. I had to be extremely cautious in my interactions, knowing that a single word from the wrong person could lead to my death.
I got engaged in 2020, where I told my wife about my faith. Over time, she also accepted Christianity.
Forced to Flee
As the Taliban continued to gain more power, the hostility got worse. I knew that staying was not an option. My co-workers know about my apostasy, and in a country where leaving Islam is punishable by death, this knowledge is a constant source of fear.
We fled to Pakistan, weaving carpets to earn a living as refugees.
We got baptised here by an underground church in 2022.
We Cannot Return
The Taliban’s return to power has meant that returning to Afghanistan now would almost certainly lead to our deaths. All my co-workers would have to do is report my name to the Taliban and that would be it.
We are also in danger as Hazaras. We fled Afghanistan to save our lives, knowing it was too risky to stay. The only reason we are alive today is because we escaped before it was too late.
I love my homeland. No one wants to flee it unless their life is in danger. I don’t want to live anywhere ese but Afghanistan. In Pakistan, our life is very painful.”