Storytellers Bring Light in Pakistan & Afghanistan

Over the past three years, FMI, in partnership with Keys for Kids Ministries, has witnessed God’s remarkable work through the distribution of solar-powered audio Storyteller devices among children and families in Pakistan and Afghanistan. These devices, carrying Scripture and devotionals in heart languages, have become a lifeline in regions where literacy is low, access to Christian materials is restricted, and open Gospel witness is dangerous.

From 2022 to now, Keys for Kids has provided a total of 12,333 Storyteller devices in Urdu, Pashto, and now Dari (new in 2025) across Pakistan and Afghanistan. 2,700 units alone are safely positioned inside Afghanistan and are scheduled for distribution over the next two months, as security conditions allow. Each distribution requires careful coordination due to the ongoing instability and risks faced by our partners on the ground.

By God’s grace, the spiritual fruit has been significant. Through this ministry, 15 underground churches have been established, and approximately 435 Muslim-background individuals have placed their faith in Jesus Christ. In many cases, these audio devices represent the first-time people have heard the gospel in their own language, opening doors for discipleship and ongoing fellowship in homes and villages.

This work has come at a great cost. Throughout the translation, recording, and distribution process, FMI partners have faced intense pressure and severe persecution. One key partner, Labib, who led much of the recording work, and his family were forced to relocate multiple times for their safety. Their home was attacked twice by the Taliban, yet by God’s protection they survived and remained faithful to their calling. We praise the Lord for their courage, perseverance, and steadfast commitment to the gospel.

Despite these dangers, the spiritual window in Afghanistan remains wide open. Majority Afghans deeply resent the Taliban because of their cruelty and oppression. There is scarcely a family that has not lost a loved one to war or Taliban violence.

These wounded and weary hearts are desperate for hope, peace, and love, and we are convinced and are witnessing firsthand that Jesus Christ is the only true hope who can meet this deep need.

One powerful example of this transformation is the story of Sami Ullah. An orphaned boy burdened with caring for his younger siblings, Sami Ullah received a single Storyteller device and heard the words of Jesus for the first time in his own language. That one device changed everything.

Sami Ullah began gathering other kids to listen with him, sharing what he was learning and inviting them to hear the stories of Jesus. His changed life caught the attention of his community and eventually his tribal leadership. What began with one boy and one Storyteller grew into an open door for ministry within the entire tribe, leading to the establishment of an underground fellowship where families now gather quietly to hear God’s Word and pray together.

Stories like Sami Ullah’s remind us of the multiplying power of the gospel: one boy, one Storyteller, one tribe impacted, and one underground church now shining the light of Christ in Afghanistan. Looking ahead, in 2026 we are prayerfully aiming to restock and expand Storyteller distribution in all three languages Urdu, Pashto, and Dari, so that many more children and families can hear the gospel and encounter Christ.