A Move of God in a Hostile Land
While watching The Hot Zone with Chuck Holton on YouTube, I was deeply moved by his prayer following the broadcast about the attacks in residential areas of Tel Aviv. It inspired me to share my thoughts on this important issue.
I pray that Israeli Jews will come to Jesus, but in Iran, a nation that has been under an Islamic theocracy since 1979, a quiet yet powerful revival is taking place.
Born-again Christians, many of whom are former Muslims, are discovering their faith in Jesus Christ, often through their dreams and visions.
More importantly, they are experiencing the transformative power of the Word of God (Hebrews 4:12, NKJV), “which pierces hearts even in secret.”
In Glasgow, we’ve been so happy to welcome Iranian students to our church, Vizion Church, where I attend.
God works personally and powerfully to draw hearts to Him, even in the darkest places.
The Courage of Iranian Believers
Iran’s born-again Christians face intense persecution. Converting from Islam is considered apostasy, punishable by imprisonment, torture, or death. Yet, estimates suggest 300,000–370,000 Christians worship in secret house churches, sharing the Gospel despite the risk.
Like the believers in Acts 4:31 (NKJV), who “were all filled with the Holy Spirit, and they spoke the Word of God with boldness,” these Iranians shine as lights in a land where sharing Christ is forbidden.
Despite facing persecution, the Word of God is actively working among these Iranians, spreading hope and inspiration.
Those believers and non-believers under persecution
We have watched the news over the years where the Iranian people rise up against the government and the IRGC, but have always been quashed, but the fire is lit in them for the right time.
Sadly, here is a list of some women in Iran who faced violence or death for removing their head coverings or were caught in protests. When I have seen the courage of these women, they have left a legacy for a future Iran.
- Mahsa Amini, 22, died September 16, 2022, after being arrested and allegedly beaten by morality police for improper hijab.
- Hadis Najafi, 20, shot dead in September 2022 during protests, reportedly for showing her hair.
- Armita Geravand, 16, died October 2023 after a coma, allegedly attacked on Tehran Metro for not wearing a hijab.
- Arezou Badri, 31, shot July 2024 for a hijab violation, left paralyzed.
- Nika Shakarami, 16, was killed in 2022 protests, allegedly for burning her headscarf.
- Aida Shakarami, 22, detained April 2024 for not covering her hair, though no reports confirm her death.
- Sepideh Rashno, arrested July 2022 for hijab noncompliance, reportedly beaten and tortured, but survived.
I pray that Iran changes, and many young and old will come to know Jesus. I feel that this will happen when King Reza Shah II Pahlavi comes back from exile.
Though Pahlavi is Muslim, he has publicly criticised the Islamic Republic’s persecution of religious minorities, including Christians, particularly converts. He highlighted the severe persecution faced by Iranian Christians, stating they suffer detention, torture, and execution for their faith. He emphasised solidarity with Christians.
To reiterate, Reza Pahlavi is a Muslim who advocates for religious freedom, including for Christians. I am excited that things are happening in Iran; perhaps we can consider doing mission work there or supporting it.
What’s driving this revival?
Many Iranians report meeting Jesus in dreams, a man in white offering peace and calling them to follow. This echoes my belief that the Holy Spirit moves in unexpected ways, guiding people to salvation (John 16:13, NKJV). We don’t put the Holy Spirit in a box. The Holy Spirit works with people where they are.
Disillusioned with the regime’s oppressive Islam, young Iranians, especially, are open to these divine encounters. Satellite broadcasts and online ministries, such as Iran Alive, spread the Gospel, correcting myths about Christianity and fuelling a hunger for truth.
A Scottish Missionary’s Legacy
The seeds of Iran’s revival trace back to early missionaries, including Scots like Robert Bruce. In the 1870s, Bruce served in Isfahan, aiding famine victims and sharing Christ.
His work, alongside others like Henry Martyn, who translated the New Testament into Persian, laid a foundation for today’s believers.
We emphasise that God uses faithful witnesses to plant seeds that bear fruit years later (1 Corinthians 3:6–7, NKJV). Bruce’s courage reflects the bold evangelism Calvary Chapel encourages.
Lessons from Iran for Us Today
Iran’s born-again Christians challenge us to live out our faith with passion. Our ministry teaches that being born again (John 3:3, NKJV) transforms lives, and we see this in Iran’s house churches, where believers risk everything for Christ.
Their story calls us to pray, share the Gospel, and trust the Holy Spirit’s power. As Psalm 119:105 (NKJV) declares, “Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.” Let’s pray Iran’s believers find strength in God’s Word and that we, too, shine boldly for Jesus.
What can we do?
- Pray: Ask God to protect and embolden Iran’s Christians (Ephesians 6:18–20, NKJV).
- Learn: Visit elam.com or opendoors.org for updates on Iran’s revival.
- Act: Share your story on bornagainchristians.faith to stir faith and support for our Iranian brothers and sisters.
Remember, God is still moving. Let’s join Him in praying for Iran’s revival and living out our faith with the same courage.
https://youtu.be/_PQ1aj1iQxk?si=q_c-XTM72CnvLTqD
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