Afghanistan: Mission Possible
Afghanistan: Mission Possible with Far Reaching Ministries
Story by Kathy Symborski
As desperate as the Afghanistan situation appears after the U.S. withdrawal on August 31, God is calling many to go forth and rescue those who were not able to flee the country prior to the Taliban takeover. One of those is Calvary Chapel Pastor Wes Bentley, founder of Far Reaching Ministries (FRM). He is asking for prayer.
FRM was founded as an evangelical Christian missionary and humanitarian organization in 1998 and is most known for its South Sudan Chaplains Corps. Through his 26 years of living and working amongst terrorists, he has formed “Ghost Operations", often dangerous ministry into closed countries. This group of men—including Navy Seals, SpecOps Marines, and Green Berets—are all trained in various theater of operations, are strong believers in Christ, and have become expert at extracting those taken captive by terrorist groups.
In his recent teaching at Calvary Chapel Chino Valley, CA, on August 29, Wes clarified the purpose of the Ghost Operations. “When men join the special forces groups or military, one of the reasons they do so is because God geared them to protect and care for those who don’t have the ability to care for themselves. And that’s how God designed them to serve Him in this life.”
Pleas for Help
Wes shared that many groups have contacted him desperate for help getting people out of Afghanistan. FRM itself has 22 missionaries and their families who are in immediate danger of the Taliban fighters; the Ghost Operations team is committed to rescue all who are in peril.
“I can’t go into all the details, but we are getting ready to move in a few days,” Wes revealed. He cautioned that although they will be “going dark”—unable to communicate or disclose their location—there will be times when they can release crucial updates. In the meantime, he requested that the churches lift up a “massive prayer covering, that God will rescue His people” as they trust Him each step of the way.
One of the major areas of ministry has been in South Sudan, where for many years God’s favor has rested upon Wes and FRM. He has unprecedented access to the President, Salva Kiir, as well as the commanding general of the South Sudan army, a man he led to the Lord 21 years ago. In a recent meeting with both, Wes disclosed they authorized him to bring over 200 people to South Sudan. “This is a last-case scenario but will buy time to come up with an exit strategy.”
Oh, LORD, I know the way of man is not in himself; it is not in man who walks to direct his own steps. Jeremiah 10:23
Well aware of the dangers that lie ahead, Wes shared that he was created for this purpose. His rendition of a quote often attributed to statesman Edmund Burke revealed his commitment: “The only thing necessary for the triumph of evil is for godly [good] men to do nothing.” He continued, “As believers, at some point you have to grow up in your faith. We need to have a love and burden for those who are lost and perishing and to a world that is dying without Christ. We have to put away the foolish things of this world so that others may know the great hope of Jesus Christ.”
We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed. For we who live are always delivered to death for Jesus’ sake, that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. …Therefore we do not lose heart. …For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, is working for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9, 11, 16a, 17
Wes stated that trouble is coming to America and persecution is coming to the Church, but the Bible encourages us to look up to heaven and know our redemption draws nigh. “There’s something excellent about the thought of seeing the Messiah. That’s where our hope has to be, so whether it is this year or 20 years away, it comes for all of us. It is better to live a life that has meaning than a life that had no meaning,” he exhorted.
Wes noted that the Jewish people have a saying: ‘He who saves a life saves the whole world.’ In essence, if only one person survives, another generation can be raised up. “The task in Afghanistan appears impossible,” Wes admitted, “and it’s questionable how many can be saved. It may be only a few, but it will be worth it at the end of this.”
Wes emphasized the importance and priority of prayer for this mission. However, if you also wish to financially support FRM’s Ghost Operations and the Afghanistan mission, go through their website at www.frmusa.org or call the U.S. office at 951-677-4474.
And let us not grow weary while doing good, for in due season we shall reap if we do not lose heart. Galatians 6:9
Wes Bentley, founder of Far Reaching Ministries.
All verses above are quoted from the New King James Version, unless otherwise noted.
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