The Gospel Cannot Be Silenced: God’s Word in the Persian-Speaking World

The reality for believers in the Persian–speaking world today is one of harsh persecution. Christianity is illegal in Iran, and followers of Jesus face severe punishment and harassment for their faith—often leading to imprisonment or even death.

Conversion to Christianity, evangelism, or sharing the gospel with Muslims is strictly forbidden. Christians are viewed as national security threats, the Bible is treated as propaganda, and even singing worship songs can be considered a criminal act. Any Christian resources or materials discovered by authorities are confiscated and destroyed.

Those who confess Christ risk forced participation in mandatory religious re-education courses, restrictions on travel and communication, imprisonment, flogging, and sometimes execution. Yet despite these grim realities, God cannot be stopped.

In 1982, TWR Canada launched its Persian ministry, broadcasting the message of salvation through radio to the Persian-speaking world where there was no church, no bible school – no safe place to learn or study the Word of God. Today, through web radio, social media, digital interactions and personal connections, we continue to spread hope, and the message of the gospel. Listeners are telling us, “Your programs truly changed my life! They still help me to keep calm in the middle of the storm and grow in maturity.” 

From the beginning, God has used media to reach many Persian hearts. Due to restrictions prohibiting physical Bibles and Christian materials as well as the ban on Christian content creation, our Canadian-based Persian ministry team shares biblical teaching through radio broadcasts, social media, emails and WhatsApp. These platforms provide believers with safe access to scripture and resources.

Hundreds of individuals inside Iran are now being followed up with each week, and the landscape within the country is changing. Once almost completely closed to online access, the government is now openly selling VPNs, allowing people to connect to the Internet more freely. This shift has opened remarkable new doors for digital ministry. Through platforms like WhatsApp, our team can now share discipleship materials, and training resources directly with seekers and underground believers. No longer limited to physical SD cards or smuggled materials, believers across Iran are now accessing the Bible and study content online.

Praise God—He is reaching Iran through digital media in ways that were once unimaginable.

One of our radio listeners, Amir* shares his story. “I thank God for you. I have been blessed from your programs on Radio Sedaye Enjil. You had a program with prayer at the beginning. I always pray with you as I listen. This is a huge blessing to me that we can pray together despite the distance. Glory to the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.

He went on to describe a remarkable journey of spiritual growth.  “I have experienced significant spiritual growth lately to the point that I can lead others to Christ and disciple them.”

Amir humbly asks for our continued prayers: “Pray for me so that I can continue serving in our small church, through the power of the Holy Spirit. Pray that my ministry is in line with God’s heart. Amen.”

Through Amir’s story, we are reminded that even under the weight of persecution, God’s light continues to shine brightly. Through radio waves, digital platforms, and the courageous faith of His people, the kingdom of God is advancing—proving that the gospel can’t be silenced.

*Name changed for security reasons.