As the Taliban completed its take-over of Afghanistan CBN News had an exclusive interview this week with “Hamid” one of thousands of Afghan Christians who fears for his life

The Weekly Rundown

August 21, 2021    7:00 AM EDT

EXCLUSIVE. As the Taliban completed its take-over of Afghanistan CBN News had an exclusive interview this week with “Hamid” , not his real name, one of thousands of Afghan Christians who fears for his life and that of fellow Believers. Meanwhile, more than a dozen U.S. governors, on both sides of the political aisle, say their states are ready to welcome and help Afghani evacuees. Here’s the story.

IT MATTERS. There are 15,000 Americans trapped in Afghanistan behind Taliban lines. President Biden says U.S. forces will stay in Kabul until all Americas are rescued, yet Secretary of State Lloyd Austin says stranded Americans must get to the airport on their own. One Senator is asking to invoke the 25th Amendment to remove the President from office in the wake of these “disastrous events.” Meanwhile, the lightning-fast takeover of Afghanistan was masterminded by an individual who is known to American intelligence. Khairullah Khairkhwa was a prisoner held in Gitmo for 12 years but he was released by former President Barak Obama—against the advice of the Pentagon. Here’s why.

Some believe that Afghanistan will now become a training ground for terrorists planning to attack the West—and Israel. The leader of Middle East terror group, Hezbollah, says Afghanistan’s demise tells the world that the U.S. cannot be depended upon to support Israel. Learn more.

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LIFE. A federal appeals court in New Orleans upheld a Texas law banning dismemberment during abortion, without first ensuring the baby is dead in the womb. Shockingly, three judges dissented. Here’s the story.

HAPPENING HERE. Two people are dead and 20 more are missing in Western North Carolina after Tropical Storm Fred swept through the state earlier this week. Read more.

George Mason University law professor Todd Zywicki sued GMU when they made the COVID vaccine mandatory. Zywicki had COVID and says his natural immunity should preclude a vaccine requirement. Here’s what happened next.

A North Carolina man surrendered to law enforcement this week after a five-hour standoff in Washington, D.C. He claimed to have a bomb and drove onto the sidewalk of the Library of Congress—across the street from the U.S. Capitol.

The GOP is poised to make political gains in the midterm election following the release of 2020 census data. Seven Congressional seats are expected to shift; here’s the story.

INTERNATIONAL. Operation Blessing’s team in Haiti has been providing much needed aid since the 7.2 magnitude earthquake struck last weekend. The international team, which includes a medical doctor and a clean water specialist, is responding with generators, water purification equipment, chlorine tablets, and other essentials. Here’s how you can help!

The government of Hungary has made preservation of Christian values a top priority. Not only do government institutions protect Biblical values, but the “Hungary Helps” program aims to assist persecuted Christians around the world. Not everyone is pleased with their stand. The European Union, for example, has targeted Hungary because it passed a law that children should be protected from inappropriate sexual content—including LGBTQ materials. Don’t miss this story.

An Oklahoma mom flew half-way around the world earlier this month to rescue 10 members of the all-female Afghani robotics team. Here’s the incredible story.

An Israeli archeologist has uncovered a Byzantine-era gold coin that depicts Jesus’ crucifixion. It was minted in 638/639 AD by Emperor Heraclius. Learn more about this exciting find!

Would you like PRAYER? Call (800) 700-7000. Phone agents at the CBN Prayer Center are available 24/7 to pray with you.

HEALTH. Several sick patients in Washington State were removed from the University of Washington Medical Center’s transplant list after refusing to get a COVID vaccine. Here’s why it matters.

Regeneron has been a dramatic treatment for individuals who test COVID-positive and are diagnosed quickly. The FDA granted emergency use for the drug last November but it’s not available everywhere; here’s what you need to know.

Are COVID vaccines beginning to wear off? Health officials say booster shots may be needed after eight months. Here’s the story.

ENTERTAINMENT. Aretha Franklin’s faith was a major focus by both cast and crew as they made the film, Respect. It’s currently playing in theaters and there’s already Oscar buzz. Learn more.

The NFL Jacksonville Jaguars cut Tim Tebow this week, after hiring him as a tight end (TE). Tebow is known for his strong and outspoken faith in Christ; here’s what he said after being cut.

Christian singer Nightbirde made a surprise appearance this week on the popular NBC program, America’s Got Talent (AGT). She received Simon Cowell’s golden buzzer earlier in the AGT season but her fight with cancer forced her to leave the show early. Here’s the latest.

Are you looking for peace? NFL Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson offers an answer, and it has nothing to do with football. Here’s Wilson’s prescription for finding peace in everyday life.

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Thank you for watching and reading CBN News. We’re glad you’re here. Because Truth Matters.

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

—Philippians 4:4-7 (NKJV)

FROM CHURCH LEADERS:

All eyes are on Afghanistan this week as chaos and turmoil ensues under the newly claimed rule of the Taliban. Thousands are still desperately scrambling to escape Taliban rule, but ten girls from The Afghan Girls Robotic Team have been safely rescued this week, thanks to one mom from Oklahoma.

Allyson Reneau could not get her mind off of girls on the other side of the world earlier this month as reports of a Taliban takeover began to grow with the removal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan.

Oklahoma Mom Rescues 10 Afghan Girls From a Bleak Future Under Taliban Rule