Farsi

Background

The Islamic Revolution promised much but delivered little. The theocratic tyranny of the ayatollahs proved more cruel and corrupt than the system it replaced. Despite twenty years of anti-Western, anti-Christian propaganda, Iranians actively seek alternatives to Islam. Muslims in Iran are more open to the gospel than ever before.

Give thanks for the advance of the gospel in Iran despite the severe restrictions imposed by the Islamic authorities. Iran continues to be a place of suffering for Christians, but the number of believers and house churches is growing. Many are joining small Bible study groups. Gospel broadcasts in Farsi are heard on primetime radio two hours a day. Enquiries are followed up by email and other means.

Ministry Updates

The Passion to Do More Words of Hope sponsors conferences for Iranian believers. In this setting Dave Bast has conducted Christian weddings, prayed for and anointed those with special needs, celebrated the Lord’s Supper, and baptized new believers. In August a young man whom we are calling “Moe” was baptized, and the leader of our Iranian ministry told me his story...

“During 2008 we personally know of [a number of] Muslims in Iran who converted to Christ, Iranian believers who were baptized, and house church leaders who were ordained/commissioned. Persian hymnbooks were printed and distributed, and Bible conferences/discipleship trainings were held. We do continue to have occasional interference with the daily radio programs. Our website was blocked by the government and we continue to have challenges in emailing with listeners. Some of our friends and coworkers were questioned by the police and a few were arrested for short periods. I can assume that our audience has increased because new listeners have corresponded with us.” [Iranian coordinator]

Listener Responses

I finally received your letter full of kindness and love. Thank you for your guidance and encouragement. I get together with a friend to listen to your program. Afterward we talk about it and pray. Sometimes we meet with other believers and fellowship with them. I am indebted to you for the radio programs.

What the Lord is doing in Iran today is nothing short of a spiritual awakening for which He mightily prepared for many years.