In a historic moment for Afghan Christians, Mozhda TV officially began satellite broadcasts on Saturday, marking the launch of the country’s first dedicated Christian television channel. The event was attended by Afghan church leaders, representatives of the Afghanistan Bible Society, and international mission partners, all of whom celebrated what organizers described as the culmination of decades of prayer and collaboration.
Executive Director Shoaib Ebadi of the Afghanistan Bible Society opened the broadcast with a prerecorded message, noting that for the first time in history the channel would reach audiences both within Afghanistan and around the world. “This day, for the first time in history, the first Afghan Christian satellite channel will start its broadcasting to Afghanistan and around the world,” Ebadi said.
Shortly after the launch, Mozhda TV’s Executive Director Masoud Ghorbani delivered a sermon based on Mark 6:34, highlighting Jesus’ compassion for those “like sheep without a shepherd.” He drew parallels between the passage and the hardships faced by Afghans, emphasizing that millions now have an opportunity to encounter the Christian message despite years of suffering and religious restrictions. Ghorbani declared, “Jesus Christ is the good shepherd of Afghanistan,” citing John 10:11.
Ghorbani also expressed hope that the broadcasts would reach audiences beyond the Christian community, including members of the Taliban. “We don’t know who is watching our program for the first time right now, perhaps even the Taliban,” he said. “We need to pray for them.”
The initiative comes amid ongoing restrictions on Christian activity following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021. Christian workers largely left the country, religious materials were prohibited and destroyed, and periodic internet disruptions have further limited access to outside information. Satellite broadcasting offers an alternative means of reaching households in a country where authorities tightly control religious expression and communications. “Almost everyone has a television and a satellite dish at home,” Ghorbani explained. “The Taliban control the country, but they cannot control the satellites.”
Producer Mikael Tunér highlighted the importance of Afghan Christians presenting the programs themselves, noting that underground Christian congregations continue to exist in Afghanistan, with several thousand believers remaining despite Taliban claims that no Christians live there. Initially offering programs in Dari and Pashto, Mozhda TV plans to broaden its broadcasts to include Hazaragi, Uzbek, Turkmen and Baluchi, allowing viewers from diverse linguistic backgrounds to access the Gospel.
Source: Christianity Daily
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