In the Persian-speaking world, becoming a Christian is illegal and can be risky. Because of their faith, many Christians experience varying degrees of suffering. This may include being arrested, interrogation, imprisonment, a loss of employment and/or rejection from their family. Despite these risks, many are hungry for the truth and are coming to faith in Christ!
In this region of the world, we must be cautious about our ministry. Many Christians do not trust each other and fear that their faith will be revealed to the authorities. This makes it difficult for Christians to be discipled and encouraged in their faith. In addition, many house churches have been closed by the government. Even those who are in house churches that have not been discovered are afraid to meet. As a result, Christians are scattered and become weak in their faith with no church for mutual encouragement or discipleship.
An important part of our ministry is running training conferences, where in a safe location, Persian believers gather to study God's Word, worship and fellowship together. Due to COVID-19, we have not been able to host conferences as we normally would over the past year. Instead, believers have been able to meet for online gatherings three days a week to learn together and encourage one another. This has proven to be an encouraging method of fellowship and teaching. Two of the gatherings each week are led by a pastor from the USA who has taught at conferences in the past. He is also sending out daily devotionals to believers. Persian believers are continuing to find fellowship and are growing in faith together through these online gatherings.
Over the past year, we have increased our emphasis on the Persian internet radio station, with programs shared on social media as well. We are currently building up both listenership and programming. Here are a few testimonies from listeners:
“Hello, I wanted to thank you for the programs on Facebook and Instagram, which changed my life and strengthened my faith. I feel more peace and blessing in my life than before, and I owe this to your posts. Thank you!”
“Best regards. I listen to your radio programs every day. Excellent programs with many different topics.”
“My sister has changed a lot in the last few years and finally she told me why! A few years ago, she discovered your Facebook page. After a few months of reading your posts and listening to your programs, she believed in Christ and her life was changed. So, I started listening to your programs which are highly effective. Also, I am reading the Bible online too! Is it possible to send me a Bible? Thank you for all your efforts.”
“God bless you! Thank you for your wonderful Bible study! God changed me and I am a believer now. My life is full of blessings and joy because of your radio programs. Thank you very much, and may God bless you.”
“It has been a year since I came to believe in the Lord Jesus through your programs! I would love to be baptized.”
Praise God for the growing online ministry to Persian believers! Please pray that these Christians would be strengthened and encouraged as they face trials and persecution because of their faith.
