Afghanistan ranks as one of the top 10 most dangerous countries for Christians, where conversion from Islam is punishable by death and the Taliban go door-to-door hunting believers. Yet remarkably, the Afghan church is growing—maybe faster even than Iran's explosive underground movement.

This is Part 1 of a three-part series on Afghanistan. Today we explore the current persecution crisis, the 500-8,000 secret believers living in constant danger, how mobile technology is spreading the gospel despite Taliban phone searches, and specific ways to pray for this persecuted church.

In Part 2 and 3, I'll share my personal experiences with the growing Afghan church.

Sources: Open Doors, International Christian Concern, Global Christian Relief, US Department of State, Voice of the Martyrs, Square One World Media

Read more on my blog: nations4jesus.blogspot.com

NEXT EPISODE: Afghanistan Part 2 - How God Called Me to Help