Iran
Words of Hope Iran is building the church one soul at a time in one of the hardest places on earth.
Iran is a hard place. Less than one percent of the population in this Middle Eastern country is Christian. What’s more, Muslim-background converts to Christianity risk facing the death penalty since Iran is one of the most persecutory countries in the world. All evangelical churches have been forced to close; Bibles may not be published; and people who meet together in house churches live constantly on the brink of discovery and punishment.
And yet, even in this very hard place, there is a sincere longing for the good news of the gospel. The underground church in Iran appears to be growing faster now than ever before, proving that hope in Christ is stronger than the fear of death. Through many gifts and prayers offered by supporters, Words of Hope is finding ways to share life-saving good news with Iranians without putting them or our producers in danger. Radio, Internet, and other tools are helping us reach farther with the gospel than we ever could before.
“I was born in a Muslim family and I was very serious about my faith. I was trying to have a relationship with God through Islam, but Jesus found me and didn’t let me go. Through radio I learned I could be a Christian and I gave my heart to Jesus. We are alone, please pray for us, and don’t forget us. My church is your radio program.
Languages
Persian (Farsi)
Words of Hope works to share Christian hope both in Iran and throughout the Iranian diaspora through various types of media. Radio programs are recorded and then broadcast across the border via satellite, as well as being available 24/7 online. A wide variety of social media platforms are utilized to enable direct contact between Words of Hope staff and the Iranians who discover our resources. Videos and audiobooks are being produced in the Persian language to further connect with younger generations. Iranian Bible conferences are also held regularly in a safe location outside the country so that Iranians can come to learn about the Bible and worship in community.
Prayer Requests
- Pray for the protection and strength for those who follow Jesus despite the severe risks and challenges.
- Pray for the safety of the growing house churches across the country.
- Pray for the many believers who have been imprisoned because of their faith.
- Pray for effectiveness of the Bible training conferences and for the safety of the participants.
- Pray for necessary logistical decisions to advance Kingdom work inside Iran.
Stories from Iran
Cards for Iranian Christians
Words of Hope organizes discipleship conferences for Iranian Christians multiple times per year. Since it is not safe to openly gather for Christian teaching inside the country of Iran, these
Persians Love to Sing
People have a lot of ideas about individuals from Iran. But after attending a recent Persian Training Conference, Adam Navis, Words of Hope’s Persian Ministry Coordinator, can say that one
Iranian Church
Last year as COVID-19 was sweeping the world, Sepideh, a newly-divorced Iranian woman, found herself forced to move back in with her parents. Lonely and discouraged, Sepideh was glad for