AFGHANISTAN Spring 2005
With spring comes new life, yet in Afghanistan it also marks a new year.
New years day is called Navrouz, (locally pronounced Naw-ROOZ) which literally means new day and it is one of the oldest holidays celebrated in Central Asia. In Afghanistan the new year begins March 21 with a host of community gatherings and special meals.
“It really is a new day in the nation,” said Shawn*, who serves in this area. “If peace remains, daily life for so many has a chance to improve.
“So many things are better,” he adds. “Even the weather is helping. Years of drought have given way to good days of rain and snow. People feel more hopeful.”
*Names changed to protect believers.
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Learn how many in Afghanistan welcome the new year
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Central Asia Video
Behind the Veil
When a woman in Afghanistan ventures out of her home, she usually wears an outer covering called a burqa that completely covers her head and face. Discover what it's like to see the outside world from behind a veil.
Small Video: 1.5MB | Medium Video: 2.5MB
Buzkashi: Galloping Gauntlet
Horsemen have played buzkashi on the steppes of Afghanistan and Central Asia for centuries. Since the days of Genghis Khan in the 13th century, horsemen have tested one another’s courage and skill in this galloping gauntlet that’s part polo, part rugby and all warfare.
Small Video: 3MB | Medium Video: 6MB
Blind Hope
Local civic and Muslim leaders mark the Afghan New Year, Navrouz, by raising a flagpole draped with banners inscribed with Islamic prayers and praises. Some believe that as the multi-colored standard rises above the crowd, healing powers sweep down on the faithful. View this ancient flag raising ceremony.
Small Video: 1MB | Medium Video: 2MB
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Pray for Afghanistan
Southern Baptist workers in the region need your prayers. They ask that you pray for the people of this troubled land.
Pray for the Afghan government. Pray that tentative steps toward democracy will bring stability and peace. Pray that God will give wisdom and discernment to those in positions of authority.
Pray that more people will gain access to medical care in Afghanistan. Tuberculosis remains a deadly reality for many in this developing country. Pray for workers who are helping fight this disease, which kills more than 20,000 Afghans each year.
Pray for the people groups in Afghanistan's east provinces. One of the largest people groups in this area are the Pashtuns, who account for about 38 percent of the Afghan population. These eastern provinces remain nearly closed to the gospel. Ask God to provide an opening in this difficult part of the world.