This year, more than ever, Dr. Shariat and the IAM team have been instrumental in equipping believers to confront the realities of conflict with fervent prayer and proactive evangelism. Amidst the fears of war and societal upheaval, IAM has steadfastly pursued its mission to deliver messages of Christ’s love and hope to those overwhelmed by darkness. The response from the people of Iran has been positive, with the Gospel’s influence thriving more than ever before. This spiritual renaissance has fostered a rapidly growing faith community that transcends traditional church structures—a testament to the Scripture’s promise that “the gates of hell will not prevail against the Church.” Indeed, Iran continues to be home to one of the fastest- growing churches in the world!
The impact of your support is vividly reflected in transformative stories like that of Ali, whose life underwent a dramatic change through the digital proclamation of the Gospel. Thanks to our generosity, Ali and many others across Iran have been thrown lifelines, guiding them from the depths of addiction and despair to renewed lives of faith and purpose. Each contribution you make fuels this powerful ministry, enabling Iran Alive Ministries to continue its vital work and illustrating the changes your involvement brings to this thriving spiritual community.
Descent into Despair
I was a broken man, lost in the grip of addiction. The haunting cries of my son as I took his shoes to sell for drug money echoed in my ears, marking the depths of my despair. My life was a cycle of failed attempts at work and business, deepening my depression and pushing me further into the clutches of drugs and alcohol. I was a man drowning in my misery, alienated from my family and losing everything I cherished.
The Breaking Point
In a moment of overwhelming shame, I tried to sell my son’s shoes in the marketplace, only to be publicly shamed and called a parasite. Crushed by the condemnation and the weight of my actions, I wandered the streets aimlessly, contemplating the end. That night, as I collapsed under the glow of a streetlight in a deserted alley, I was ready to give up.
When I heard the message, it spoke deeply to my heart… It saved my life!
A Message of Redemption
As I lay broken, a voice from a nearby house reached me. I heard the name Jesus over and over. I later found out it was a television broadcast speaking of hope and healing through Jesus Christ. His name caused my body and mind to shake, piercing through the darkness in my soul. I broke down, overwhelmed by a flood of regret and a desperate longing for salvation. In my despair, I called out to Jesus to save me, to forgive me, and to heal me.
Miraculous Intervention
I woke up to the harsh words of a street sweeper. I noticed something miraculous: inside my son’s returned shoes was a bundle of money and a note pointing me toward a Christian TV channel. I understand this may be odd for an American, but I now know satellite is one of our only ways to access the Gospel in Iran. This note reaffirmed my newfound faith and the reality of my divine encounter. I knew I was not alone, my path was laid out for me.
Reconciliation and New Beginnings
Returning home with the shoes and the money, my skeptical wife questioned my intentions. But as she read the note, her skepticism turned to tears of realization as she shared her own journey of faith through the same Christian broadcasts. Our newly shared faith began to heal our marriage, leading to a phone call from IAM that changed everything. They offered support and guidance as I embarked on recovery programs, and eventually, with their help and divine inspiration, I started anew.
Renewal and Gratitude
Jesus healed my addiction, restored my family, and transformed my life. Iran Alive’s support was instrumental in helping me find my way back to my wife and son and even enabled me to start a business. A decade later, my faith and my life are unrecognizable from the darkness that once consumed me. I am a testament to the power of faith, the strength of community, and the boundless grace of God.
Today marks 10 years of freedom in Christ for Ali, with each day strengthening his faith and highlighting the lasting impact of the ministry’s outreach during his darkest times. His family also continues to thrive; they actively engage with the Iran Alive movement and subsequently in their faith community. Ali’s transformation vividly shows the profound effect of your support, extending beyond individual recovery to foster a community of healing and hope. Even in the darkest times, Christ’s love shines, transcends despair, and illuminates the darkest shadows. The gates of hell will not prevail…
Stories like Ali’s demonstrate the resilience of the human spirit, bolstered by our collective efforts. Through your partnership, Iran Alive Ministries continues to light up the darkest places, growing the Church, one brother and sister at a time. Ali’s return to his family and community is not merely a personal triumph but a beacon of hope for others who are still in the shadows.
In gratitude and with a call to deeper involvement, we invite you to further engage with Iran Alive Ministries. Your contributions rebuild lives, mend families, and restore faith.
The Church in Iran is growing faster than anywhere else in the world. Let’s fuel the momentum together, to transforming every tale of despair into a narrative of hope, welcoming new brothers and sisters. People are waiting, and we must respond for such a time as this.
Dr. Hormoz Shariat
President/Founder
Iran Alive Ministries
P.S. In the face of war and uncertainty, the Iranian Church is preparing for a historic moment for the gospel among their people. Please consider a gift today to strengthen our brothers and sisters.
Prayer for Peace and Stability: War feels imminent. Pray for enduring peace in the region, particularly between Iran and Israel, and for the political tensions to ease. Ask for God’s intervention to bring stability and safety to the lives of those caught in the ongoing conflict.
Prayer for the Youth and Vulnerable: Lift up the young people and the vulnerable in Iran who face despair and hopelessness due to societal pressures and political unrest. Pray that they find solace and hope through the outreach of Iran Alive Ministries and other supportive networks.
Prayer for Ministry Impact: Pray for our efforts to spread the Gospel through digital platforms. Ask for the Good News to reach deep into the hearts of listeners all over Iran and beyond.
Prayer for Ali and Others in Transformation: Pray for Ali as he continues to live out his testimony. Ask for ongoing strength, faith, and grace as he navigates the challenges of a new life free from addiction. Pray also for others like him who are at various stages of their journey toward healing, that they may find encouragement and support through the ministry and community around them.