Article May 5, 2003 Issue

Part two—Afghanistan

Helping to rebuild their beloved country

By Warren Bolon Senior Writer

Prior to the 1978 coup in Afghanistan , Nasrullah Rahmat's (left) family business exported raisins to Europe and other markets. Members of the Rahmat family were scions of the Afghan clan known for producing business and political leaders. Late in 1979, Soviet armed forces invaded their country, and hundreds of thousands of Afghans, and especially entrepreneurs like the Rahmat family, fled Communist oppression for refuge in Pakistan. The family went on to establish several businesses in Pakistan, including a leather goods factory that employs hundreds of refugees. They also provide healthcare and schools for workers' children.

After hearing about the Rahmat family and their charitable works from John and Carole Soden (see Part one, "In nation rebuilding, it's one step at a time" in last week's issue), the Sentinel wanted to talk with one of the Rahmat brothers for an inside perspective on the challenges of rebuilding a whole country. Many Sentinel readers set aside time daily to pray for the world, and some have said that they value knowing about specific needs for their prayers. From Nasrullah Rahmat's comments you will get these specifics, but you'll also find a Muslim brother in prayer—one who fervently believes that spirituality and education are essential to Afghanistan's economic rebirth.

John Soden said that it was "something of a miracle that 400 Afghans were working together harmoniously in one place."

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