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Iran
The Islamic Revolution of 1979, led by Ayatollah Khomeini, created the world’s only Shiite Islamic theocracy and profoundly changed every aspect of life in Iran. While Iran has elected presidents, the country is ultimately led by Muslim clerics. Today, many of those who committed their lives to Islam and Islamic rule are filled with despair. This disillusionment has opened new doors for the gospel, which is sweeping across the nation via Christian media and bold evangelists in Iran’s growing house church movements. However, the government continues its attempts to thwart this work of God. Christian leaders and pastors are often arrested, tortured and imprisoned, and their families are harassed. Some, left with no other options, choose to flee the country.
Major Religion
More than 97 percent of Iranians are identified by the government as Muslims, but a significant segment of the population has abandoned Islam, and many have come to faith in Christ.
Persecutor
Christians are persecuted by government authorities, who have networks of informants in each city. Family, friends and community members also persecute Christians, especially when news of a conversion becomes public.
WHAT IT MEANS TO FOLLOW CHRIST IN IRAN
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” for owning Bibles or even talking about Christ. Christians are routinely fired from their jobs, and it is difficult for a known believer to find a job or rent a home. Many Christians gather in covert fellowships and receive teaching through Christian media smuggled into the country and through broadcast media. A significant number of Christians are currently imprisoned.
Access to Bibles
It is illegal to own, print, import or distribute Bibles. Since they are so difficult to obtain, Bibles are treasured by Iranian believers. Few have their own copy of God’s Word. Give Bibles
VOM Work
VOM provides encouragement, support and training for former prisoners as they rebuild their lives. We also provide discipleship and leadership training for current and future Christian leaders. VOM is actively involved in smuggling God’s Word to believers inside Iran. Give to VOM’s Global Ministry
Pray for Iran
- Pray for Iranians leaving Islam to follow Christ as they face persecution from the government and their family.
- Pray for imprisoned pastors and their families to sense the Lord's peace and be a light to those around them.
- Pray that persecuted Christians will rely on the Lord when they lose jobs, homes and friends because of their faith.
- Pray that Iranian believers will have access to their own copies of God's Word.
- Pray that Christian leaders targeted by the government will be encouraged to boldly follow Christ at any cost.
