Iran - Photo: Pixabay

Iran

The Islamic Revolution of 1979, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, affected Iran more than any other event in modern history. It led to the establishment of the world's only country governed by an Islamic theocracy, now 40 years old. Today, many of those who committed their lives to Islamic rule are filled with despair. Yet, this disillusionment has opened new doors for the Gospel, which is sweeping across the nation via satellite TV and the Internet, as well as growing house church movements. Even so, the government continues its attempts to thwart this move of God.

Life for Christians:

The Iranian government is among the most oppressive regimes in the world. It is illegal to leave Islam, and Christians face the constant threat of imprisonment and being falsely charged with "acting against national security." Known followers of Christ are often evicted from rented homes, routinely fired from their jobs, and then experience difficulties finding new employment. Many gather in secret fellowships and receive teaching through Christian media that's either been broadcast via satellite television or smuggled into the country. Several Christians are currently imprisoned, and many others under house arrest are awaiting sentencing. In spite of this persecution, Iran has one of the fastest growing church movements in the world -- a growing underground church that is asking for your prayers and critical resources like Bibles and discipleship materials.

  • Current Ministry Fund

    By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Designation
    Persecuted

    Population
    85,888,910 (July 2021 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

    Religion (%)
    Islam (99.6), other, including Christian (0.3), Unspecified (0.2)

    Leader
    President Ebrahim Raisi (2021)

    Government type
    Theocratic republic

    Legal system
    Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Iran

    As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.

Iran News

  • Imprisoned Christian Grieves Over Loss of Son
    Two images; Yasser on the left, and his son, Amir-Ali, in a bed with an oxygen mask.
    Yasser (left) and his son, Amir-Ali.
    Photo: Article18

    In January 2019, Mehdi Akbari was arrested along with fellow Christian converts during coordinated raids on their homes. In October 2020, he was sentenced to ten years in prison for "acting against national security" by "forming an illegal evangelical Christian group." During the trial, which lasted mere minutes, the judge ridiculed the believer's faith and referred to Christianity as a "deviant religion."

  • Christian Couple Acquitted
    Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh
    Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh
    Photo: Article18

    Homayoun Zhaveh, a 64-year-old Christian with advanced Parkinson's disease, and his wife, Sara Ahmadi, have thankfully been acquitted by an Iranian court and released from prison. On April 9th, it was reported that their application for a retrial had been accepted. (See this previously posted report for further information on their case.) On May 9th, the appeal court judge found no evidence that either of these Christians had acted against national security, as initially accused.