Urgent appeal: Christians under pressure in Iran
Christians in Iran often face severe restrictions in their freedom to worship. Families and church communities can come under such strong pressure that they leave the country. Those who speak up in the name of Christ are often subjected to intimidation and violence which can even end in death. The prospect of martyrdom is very real to Christians in Iran.
Martyred for his faith
One man who was martyred for his faith was Haik Hovsepian. He was a senior minister in the Assemblies of God Church who spoke up for the rights of Christians in Iran. He openly defied the authorities by declaring, “Our churches are open to all who want to come in.”
He was murdered after protesting against the brutal treatment of a fellow Christian. His family was scattered across the world but they carry on his work through SAT-7 PARS – bringing love and encouragement to the people of Iran.
Iranians are searching
Haik’s niece, Anita, is the Audience Relations Manager for SAT-7 PARS and she has daily contact with many people who watch our Persian-language programmes across Iran. She says that ordinary Iranians are searching for “something that gives them peace... but people cannot even get a Bible.
We have many telephone calls asking us to send them a Bible,” says Anita. “People say, ‘I don’t know
any other Christians so how can I grow in my faith?’”
The need in Iran for teaching and fellowship is huge. Christians lack pastors, Bibles and often a sense
of fellowship – they have been driven underground. SAT-7 PARS works hard to meet this specific
need – our programmes provide daily encouragement, solid, biblical teaching and a strong sense of
fellowship.
SAT-7 PARS enables us to reach the vital needs of the underground church
This is why Haik’s son Joseph also works in partnership with SAT-7 PARS, creating programmes. He says: “SAT-7 PARS has been the window through which to deliver our family, youth, discipleship and teaching programmes into Iran and the Farsi speaking world. SAT-7 PARS enables us to reach Iran with the Good News and meet the vital needs of the underground church in that region.”
Help us grow in our Christian faith
A viewer from Shahin Shahr told us: “We used to go to a house church, however, due to the pressures from the government, many of our Christian friends have emigrated or are scared to contact us. Help me and my family to grow in our Christian faith. I read the Bible every day but I would like to know how I can know God’s will in my life.”
Anita says: “We try to fulfil all the needs of Christians and the people who are seeking Christ.”
Anita continues: “Christians are under pressure because of persecution but deep down they know
who they believe in. They pray a lot and they read the Bible and they want to learn. Please pray God
gives us the wisdom to find better ways to serve the viewers and respond to their needs.”
Please help SAT-7 reach Christians and seekers all across Iran
A generous gift of £25 would help us broadcast more teaching and encouragement to believers like these across the entire county.
At a time when the Church is being driven underground, it is tremendously important that we broadcast more programmes of hope and teaching into Iran. Please give £25 or whatever you can afford to support this vital work.
Find out more about SAT-7 PARS here
