Iran Alive Ministries has been steadfast in its mission, preparing believers for the challenges they face and encouraging them to engage in prayer and proactive evangelism. Despite conflict,  turmoil, and state-sponsored terrorism, Iran Alive Ministries continues to spread messages of Christ’s love and hope to those under the pressure of darkness. The response from the people  of Iran has been incredible, with the Gospel’s influence growing rapidly and fostering a thriving faith community despite the lack of traditional church structures. Iran remains one of the fastest-growing Christian communities in the world. Here is a story that shows how the Gospel is being spread virally from family to family.

The Teachings of Jesus Destroy Darkness
My name is Mina, a 32-year-old woman. After our father died, my mother, my sister and I lived in a modest apartment in Tehran. Our lives changed dramatically when we discovered  Shabakeh 7— Iran Alive’s Christian TV Channel. The teachings of Shabakeh 7 had a way of pulling us in. They were in stark contrast to the oppressive atmosphere we often feel in Iran with  the ongoing tensions and unrest.

It began with evenings spent huddled together, nervously tuning in to the broadcasts. At first, we were skeptical and afraid. Should we be watching this Christian content? What would our  Muslim neighbors think if they found out? The fear of repercussions loomed over us, but something about the messages we heard kept drawing us back.

One particular night, I remember sitting with my family, the flickering light of the TV illuminating our small living room. My mother glanced at the door nervously, and my sister kept the  volume low, just in case. We were on edge, but as we kept on listening to the message of love and salvation, something began to change.

The teachings of Jesus resonated deeply with us, something inside of us was shifting— almost melting away. The messages of grace, forgiveness, and unconditional love were contrary to  what we had been taught through Islam. Tears started rolling down my mother’s cheeks as she heard about a love so profound and all-encompassing. The warmth of God’s love enveloped us, and despite our initial fears, we could physically feel God’s presence overwhelming us. We gave our lives to Jesus.

A Contagious Passion For The Gospel
Our transformation was evident to our neighbors. We were no longer the quiet, reserved family they once knew. Instead, we radiated a kind of joy and peace that others were drawn to. One  neighbor, Bejat, noticed this change more than anyone. She was a woman shattered by sorrow, having recently lost her beloved husband of several decades. Her eyes often looked hollow, her steps heavy with grief. She often lingered outside our door, possibly drawn by the sounds of our prayers and hymns, but always hesitant to join us.

One particularly warm evening, as we gathered for our weekly worship, there was a timid knock at our door. It was Bejat, overheated, her eyes red and swollen from crying. “I don’t know what it is that you have,” she whispered, “but I need it.”

“I don’t know what it is that you have,” she whispered, “but I need it.”

We welcomed her in, offering her a cool towel and a soda. She sat with us, her hands trembling, and began to share her story. Losing her husband had plunged her into a deep depression.  Nights were the hardest, the silence unbearable. She often thought about ending her pain, but something kept her going.

After she calmed down, Bejat turned to us and said, “You have this light in your eyes. When I am with you, I feel peace, and yet when I go home, I feel pain. Why do I feel peace when I am  with you? I need to know.”

That night, we prayed together, our voices lifting to Father God. Bejat fell to her knees, sobbing uncontrollably. “Forgive me, Jesus, I cannot continue without Your peace,” she cried. In that  moment, something miraculous happened. The weight of her grief seemed to lift, replaced by a glimmer of hope. She clung to us, her newfound family in Christ, and we held her tight.

Jesus Pursued Her Through Dreams
Bejat’s transformation was profound. The joy and peace she found in Christ were contagious. She began sharing her story with others, her passion for the Gospel igniting a spark in those  around her. Her niece, Elena, was particularly moved. After hearing Bejat’s testimony, Elena had a vivid dream where Jesus appeared, covered in light. He approached her, looked into her  eyes, and said, “Do not be afraid, your aunt has found Me and I want you to follow Me as well.”

Overwhelmed, she rushed to her aunt’s house, where she, too, found salvation. Together, Bejat and Elena established a home church in their home town. They opened their doors to anyone  seeking hope and salvation. Every Friday, their small apartment fills with people eager to hear the Word of God and experience His love through Iran Alive  Ministries’ Global Church Service broadcast.  Satellite TV, once seen as merely a source of entertainment, has become a lifeline, bringing the Gospel into homes where it is otherwise inaccessible.

A Church Is Born
The ripple effect of Bejat and Elena’s faith journey will echo into eternity. Their home church grew rapidly, and soon they had a congregation of 23 members, all tuning in to Shabakeh 7  programs and deepening their faith. Even more, several members are preparing for pastoral training through our 4:12 Ministry School, with a vision for further Kingdom expansion.

As I reflect on those beautiful nights of prayer and celebration, I am reminded of the boundless love and grace of our Lord. I pray that every home becomes a sanctuary for God’s presence,  where His light shines brightly and His love touches every heart. May Bejat’s family and others continue to grow and spread the message of hope and salvation, until God’s throne is  established in Iran.

A Community Transformed
Bejat’s story is a testament to thousands of people who are planting house churches in Iran. Mina shares, “The ripple effect of Bejat and Elena’s faith journey was nothing short of  miraculous. Witnessing the transformation in Bejat, Elena, and their community filled our hearts with indescribable joy. The power of Christ’s love knows no bounds, reaching even the darkest corners and transforming lives in ways we could never imagine.” Her journey reflects the resilience and strength of faith in the face of adversity.

The future of Iran is being shaped by the insurmountable power of Christ. With every testimony like Bejat’s, we see the incredible impact of faith and the potential for even greater change.  Christ is establishing His Kingdom across Iran. Through new believers, we are witnessing an explosive church-planting movement– one community at a time. Your generosity enables us to  continue this vital work, spreading the Gospel and planting seeds of hope and renewal. Together, we can light up the darkest corners of Iran with the love of Christ, building a legacy of faith  that will resonate for generations.

Dr. Hormoz Shariat
President/Founder
Iran Alive Ministries

P.S. Consider making a pivotal contribution to support the growth of house churches in Iran; Jesus has always used the Church to expand His Kingdom! When you partner your generosity  with Christ’s mission to grow His Church among our Persian brothers and sisters, we are confident that Iran will encounter the transforming love of God.