Tensions in the Middle East have escalated to a fever pitch this summer amidst conflicts between Israel and Iran and its proxies. Thousands have died and thousands more innocent civilians live in fear, not knowing what the next day or week will bring. And yet we also know from Scripture that before Christ’s return, there will be war and rumors of war. As we pray with our  Persian brothers and sisters, let us remember Christ is Lord, and while the Iranian government prepares for war, Jesus, the Prince of Peace, is pursuing HIS Church in Iran— one believer at a time. This month while we, too, at Iran Alive ministries cry out to God for peace, we are also remembering and thanking God for thousands of testimonies like the one we share today.  Revelation 12:11 tells us that the enemy is overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony.

Deliverance from fear into new life: Yahya’s Testimony

As a child, Yahya lived in paralyzing fear of speaking in any public setting. Learning to speak at Muslim gatherings helped him overcome that fear, but it wasn’t until a friend introduced him to the true God’s love through a DVD produced by Iran Alive that he really found the peace and joy he’d been looking for. Today, Yahya serves as the lead of the praise and worship team at Iran Alive Ministries, using the gifts and skills God has been teaching him all his life.

Fearful Childhood

As a child, I was so shy and fearful, I wouldn’t even ask my teacher for permission to go to the bathroom. I would always end up wetting my pants and be the last one to leave the class. Then I would run home—only, on the way, I would realize that the other kids were following me and laughing at me. I was so embarrassed that I would cry the whole way home.

When we were invited to family gatherings, because of my fear, I could never speak up in the group. Instead, I sat quietly in a corner. Time passed, and I reached adolescence. Because of the love I had for the religion of Islam and the Imams, I began serving in Islamic religious gatherings and started reciting eulogies.

New Confidence

Because of these gatherings and the opportunities they gave me, I proved to myself that I could speak up. I became experienced in recitation of Quran. I had learned how to bring tears to people’s eyes with my voice. I would say, “O people, for every tear you shed, a lamp will be lit in paradise for you and me, and the more tears we shed, the more lamps will be lit for us.” And people would cry out loud in hopes for these lamps! I thought it was strange even then that no one ever asked me why they would want to light so many lamps in paradise if it’s already right. Let’s skip the fact that I didn’t know the answer myself.

The Real Light Breaks In

All this time, I had a childhood friend who often spoke good words about God, and his words always had a strange, calming effect. Our friendship continued, and I realized that my friend  had been a Christian for a long time. At first, I was upset and I thought my friend had deviated from the true faith. I felt sorry that he wouldn’t be gathered with the Shia Imams, Ali and Muhammad, on the Day of Judgment. I was sure I needed to help him and guide him out of his waywardness.

For the first time, I understood the love of God and why He created me.

I started evangelizing my friend about Islam. But no matter what I told him about Islam, he would respond with strong and convincing answers about Christianity. I had no response. But stubbornly, I would say, “No, I’m not convinced. You’re mistaken.”

That’s when my friend gave me a DVD* entitled, “God is Love.”

“Yahya, make sure to watch this,” he said. “All the answers to your questions are in this film. If you have any questions later, let me know.”
When I got home that night, I watched the whole thing. It was remarkable. They talked about all the questions I had in my life—and all of them were answered! After an hour, I found myself crying, tears streaming down my face. I felt such peace.

For the first time, I understood the love of God and why He created me. I realized my identity is in Christ and how much God loves me.

‘I Fell in Love with Christ’

From that moment, I fell in love with Christ and prayed the prayer of salvation along with the film. From that day on, I left all my old Islamic religious practices and no longer recited eulogies. I was only looking for ways to serve others and what the Lord wanted me to do.

I began following Christian TV channels until I found Iran Alive’s satellite channel called “Shabakeh 7”. One Friday, during Iran Alive’s live church service program, I called in and shared that I was eager to serve Christ but didn’t know where to start or even what to do. The ministers inside the church, especially Pastor Hormoz, encouraged me to send a worship song to the church service every week. And that’s where my ministry began.

For so many years, I lived in fear and couldn’t even speak. But then at Iran Alive Ministries, I was allowed to serve, and my fears and nervousness melted away. I found healing and restoration.

Ministering with Music and to Families

After a short period, Iran Alive sent a few young people to help me begin my faith journey. They helped me get started at the 4:12 Leadership Training School in the music and art department. I learned the foundations of Christianity, identifying my gifts and my calling to advanced leadership classes.

This ministry also saved my marriage. Before I became acquainted with Iran Alive, my married life was in ruins, and my spouse and I were on the verge of separation. However, servant leaders at Iran Alive came into my life, served me, and helped keep our marriage from falling apart.

This experience also taught me to serve other couples and help restore their lives, too. Today, I live happily and harmoniously with my spouse and my two children.

With the help of Iran Alive Ministries, I have brought more than 200 people together through Zoom gatherings, and among them, 40 have joined various ministries within the church.

Today, by the grace of the Lord, and the anointing that God has given me and my spouse, I lead the praise and worship department of the 4:12 Leadership Training School, helping those who have the anointing of worship to reach their calling—including people who, like me, were once rejected and not accepted by anyone. Through this ministry, I discovered my identity, and God’s gifts and talents put me in the service of the Lord.

I want to help find lost individuals and those who have lost their identity, bringing them to their calling.

Conflict Won’t Stop The Gospel

My friends, since launching the 4:12 Leadership School in 2019 with a few foundational courses, God’s grace has allowed us to grow significantly. Today, we offer 54 courses, equipping  Iranian believers like Yahya to become impactful followers of Christ. These individuals have received the light of Christ but need training and mentorship to transform their families,  communities, and nation.

The 4:12 Leadership Training School, inspired by Ephesians 4:12 (equipping the saints for the work of the ministry), is a three-year program that begins with discipleship and progresses to
leadership development, pastoral training, and mentorship. We currently have over 4,000 students enrolled, eager to deepen their faith and expand their influence. However, I desperately  need your help—we only have the capacity to train 1,000 of them.

Will you partner with us to expand our school’s capacity? A $372 sponsorship provides a year of biblical education. Whether you can support 1, 5, 10, or 50 students, your investment will  help raise up the next generation of Christian leaders in Iran. Together, we can transform lives and a nation for Christ.

Dr. Hormoz Shariat
President/Founder
Iran Alive Ministries

P.S. Please consider making an investment in leadership training for students like Yahya. They are the future of the Church in Iran.
Also, please don’t forget to attend our exciting webinar on August 29th. More information is on the sidebar. I hope to see you there.