Our TV screens have been full of images of Afghanis desperate to leave their country in the light of the Taliban takeover - but what can we do?

We are moved by the plight of those who remain but can feel helpless. What can we do? First, continue to pray for the people of Afghanistan, especially women and children, and local agencies seeking to support them. Then, give if you can. Our church’s aid agency Christian World Service (CWS) is appealing right now for donations for Afghanistan. Go to cws.org.nz/donate-now-afghanistan/

“The people of Afghanistan have been suffering and struggling for the last 40 years due to civil war, man-made and natural disasters, droughts, the Covid-19 pandemic and now this huge change by the Taliban taking over. There is massive displacement taking place within Afghanistan right now, with thousands and thousands of families uprooted from their households and hometowns.

Most of these people have very little reserves of their own to even support themselves for a few weeks without an income or any external help, and we’re just a couple of months away from the harsh winter in the country which will make things worse. They need support and assistance the most right now. We need immediate help so that organisations like Community World Service Asia can start assisting the displaced people, starting from Kabul.” Marvin Parvez, Director, Community World Service Asia

CWS Asia in Afghanistan and neighbouring countries are planning to assist 50,000 displaced people with food, Covid protection kits and hygiene supplies, shelter materials and healthcare. They are able to help because they have deep roots in local communities and have been there for decades as well as with past and recent governments. Pray and give, so they may live.