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Training the women is initially an uphill climb. They are overwhelmed when they see a three-bedroom house to clean. Afghanistan, with a population of 26 million, remains one of the world's poorest nations, and typical families live in homes that have one or two small rooms.

Training Afghans how to use a vacuum cleaner, iron, and other electric household appliances was also a challenge for Donna. But in time, it became fun. "They all jumped when we first plugged in the vacuum cleaner," Donna recalled, chuckling.

More than 100 women are now employed locally after graduating from the 10-week program. "We continue to be amazed at the way God brings us women who are in desperate need," Donna told Christianity Today.

Full-time workers are paid $120 to $180 per month while part-time workers (who work four hours a day) are paid $60 to $90 per month. Their salaries are comparable to the current wage of Afghan college professors with master's degrees.

In addition to training in domestic services, Donna and Aziz run the center as a place where Christians and Muslims can talk openly about faith. Donna said, "Most people assume that anyone from the West is a [Christian] believer. People often ask us what we believe and why we believe it."

The officially Islamic government in Afghanistan bans proselytizing and forbids Christian churches. Since the 2001 defeat of the Taliban regime, the government has allowed a few Christian groups to provide services, but not to evangelize.

But Donna said one-on-one relationships are the key, like the friendship she has developed with a widow. Eight years ago, the widow's husband lost a leg and an arm in a bombing at a bazaar. His remaining leg developed gangrene last year and was amputated. After that, he lost hope and died, leaving his wife with eight children to support.

"It's important to show them the love of Christ. That's the best tool that can crack open that door of hardness and ignorance," Donna said.

Donna and Aziz are uncertain how long they will remain in Afghanistan. Their support from Americans, especially Saddleback Church, has been crucial, as is the support of the Christian community in Afghanistan. Aziz said, "My faith made me no longer seek material benefits, but more of things that matter eternally."

Donna jumped in, saying, "Afghanistan may not be for everybody, but God made it possible for us to come."

Evelyn Juan is a journalist based in New York City. Tax-deductible donations to this ministry can be made payable to Saddleback Church. Indicate "Afghanistan Project" in the memo line and mail the check to: D. Bertapelle, 21026 Oakville, Lake Forest, California, 92630.

Copyright © 2005 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

More CT articles on Afghanistan include:

Land of Warlords | Unconfirmed report on martyrdom deepens gloom for Christians in Afghanistan. (Sept. 09, 2004)

Afghan Constitution Provides Few Religious Liberties | Nod to freedom of practice is too limited, critics say. (Jan. 15, 2004)

Rebuilding Afghanistan U | How Christian scholars are using their heads to change people's hearts at universities worldwide-including the one Osama bin Laden used to roam. (Dec. 12, 2003)

Books & Culture's Books of the Week: Remember Afghanistan? | Two inside reports. (Nov. 10, 2003)

Threatened Aid Groups Retreat from Afghanistan | In a "new and disturbing twist," rebel forces target international agencies. (May 15, 2003)

Letter from Kabul | Religious freedom still in jeopardy under new Afghan government. (March 21, 2003)

Return to Kabul | Shelter Now's Georg Taubmann talks about ministry and security in the former Taliban state. (Jan. 17, 2003)

Afghanistan Before September 11 | A Christian relief worker talks about the terror inside the war-ravaged country and his prayers for change. (Sept. 10, 2002)

Double Jeopardy | Former Taliban hostages Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer talk about the risks they took, the imprisonment they suffered, and their hopes to return to "the hardest place on Earth." (June 28, 2002)

'Their Faith and Courage Has Strengthened Me' | Heather Mercer and Dayna Curry speak about Martin and Gracia Burnham. (June 28, 2002)

From Afghanistan Aid Workers to Hostages of the Taliban | Excerpts from Prisoners of Hope, the book by Dayna Curry and Heather Mercer with Stacy Mattingly. (June 28, 2002)

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September 2005, Vol. 49, No. 9