Photo: Iran Alive Ministries
As Iran continues its repressive actions against the country's Christians, the church as a whole has nevertheless experienced remarkable growth, with numerous people coming to faith in Christ. Because opportunities for Farsi-speaking believers to gather for worship have been severely restricted over the years, many Christians relied on satellite television broadcasts for Biblical teaching and encouragement. However, a new directive from the country's Ministry of Intelligence has now made accessing these resources much more dangerous.
The Iranian government has classified dozens of officially unapproved broadcasts, websites and individuals as "hostile," including many Christian media ministries. As a result, anyone found viewing these banned programs – or cooperating with the organizations behind them – could face prosecution under Iran's espionage laws. At the time of compiling this report, at least five Christians have already been charged.
The list of banned media outlets includes popular Christian broadcasters such as SAT-7, Mohabat TV, Nejat and Seven. Edwin Abnous, Executive Director for Heart4Iran, says that these organizations have played a significant role in the expanse of Christianity throughout the country. Referring specifically to Heart4Iran's broadcast channel, Mohabat TV, Edwin expects communication from viewers inside the country to decrease as they become more cautious. "Our audience will be much more careful, and they would know that they need to take the security measures much more seriously," he further explains.
Despite these added restrictions, observers remain confident that the church will continue to grow. "Mahsa," an Iranian believer living abroad (whose name has been changed for security purposes), remarked: "The government's latest measures reveal not the weakness of the church, but its enduring influence. If these broadcasts carried no significance, they would not be treated as a threat." While Christians will need to exercise wisdom and caution, Edwin believes their commitment to Christ will remain steadfast. "Iranian Christians understand the price of the faith; and, no matter what, they will follow Christ to the end," he affirms. To review previously published Persecution & Prayer Alert reports concerning the oppression of Christianity in this war-torn Persian country, visit our country profile.
- Pray for God's divine protection, wisdom and continued blessings upon ministries that are faithfully proclaiming the "Good News of the Gospel" across Iran through satellite television broadcasts and other forms of media outreach.
- Ask the Lord to strengthen our Iranian brothers and sisters in Christ through His sustaining presence – granting them discernment, courage and unwavering faith as they navigate the increased risks and challenges now set before them.
- Pray that a powerful outpouring of the Holy Spirit will take place throughout Iran, leading many more who are searching for spiritual truth to salvation in Christ; and then filling the hearts of these new believers with His everlasting love, supernatural peace, and unquenchable joy.
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