Afghan refugee family finds safety in Landmark
On July 21, 2022, after over a year of processing, an Afghan refugee family of five arrived in Winnipeg and was settled in their new home in Landmark, Man.
How can EMCers help Afghan Christian refugees?
The EMC General Board is encouraging EMC churches to consider sponsoring Afghan Christian refugee families to come to Canada. EMC and other Mennonite denominations have an agreement with MCC Canada to provide the sponsorship support for this initiative.
Waves in the Desert
First wave of refugees: 1980s
from the Soviet Invasion
The Soviet invasion caused the first wave of Afghan refugees as millions flooded into Pakistan, Iran and India.
At the same time, Afghans began to resist the Soviets and Kabul government, which birthed the Afghan mujahideen (holy warriors). The U.S. saw an opportunity to oppose the Soviets by supporting the Afghan warriors. Islamic enthusiasts from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and elsewhere, joined with the mujahideen in “short-term mission” service—an ideal chance for young radicals to practice jihad. Osama bin Laden was one such warrior, and he started the al-Qaeda Islamic party