Iran: Prayer times attract non-Christians who sense ‘peace’

Non-Christians in Iran have asked believers if they can join in with their prayer times – such is the peace they sense in these gatherings, a mission leader says.

In an exclusive interview with en, David Yeghnazar, the executive director of Elam Ministries, revealed how Christians in the region are reacting to the ever-changing situation and how their lives may be impacted by the conflict.

Concerning Elam’s reaction to the recent 12-day war, Yeghnazar said: “We have been grieved to see the destruction and death that the outbreak of hostilities caused for both ordinary Iranians and Israelis. The situation – heartbreaking to witness as it has been – has made us more committed than ever to our mission of strengthening and expanding the church in Iran.

Asked about how Christians in Iran have reacted to the conflict with Israel and its aftermath, he cited prayer meetings as a key source of encouragement: “Believers have been gathering to pray fervently for their nation, and also for other people around the world caught up in conflict, including Israelis.

“We’ve heard stories of non-Christians wanting to join Christian prayer meetings, such is the peace they sense in these gatherings. A key theme for prayer has been that any changes that come in Iran would bring blessings to the people: more justice, more dignity, and more freedom.

“Christians we are in touch with have sought to serve their neighbours in practical ways and many believers have been courageously sharing the gospel with loved ones and even strangers. There are people who have put their trust in Christ for the first time during the period of conflict.”

Speaking about how escalating tensions are likely to impact believers in Iran, Yeghnazar said: “A key theme for prayer that we have highlighted since this conflict broke out has been for those in Iran particularly vulnerable to government-led persecution, including Christian converts, Jews, and other ethnic and religious minorities.

“As the Iranian regime now tries to re-establish order, they are on the lookout for anyone who could be perceived as being aligned with their enemies. The future is far from certain, but for as long as the Iranian government maintains power, we can expect an intensification of persecution on Christian converts, who the regime already erroneously views as political dissidents who wish to destabilise the nation, as well as other minorities.”

There has been much international discussion surrounding what kind of resolution the Iranian population would like to see come about from this conflict. However, Yeghnazar revealed that for Christians it is not as simple as supporting one side over another, even despite the Iranian regime’s barbarity and persecution.

He said: “The Iranian people have suffered oppression under their government for 45 years and the vast majority ache for greater freedom, greater justice, and greater dignity. However, there is no unified perspective on how this can or should be brought about.

“Some continue to be hopeful that Israel’s intervention will lead to regime change sooner rather than later. For others, attacks from a foreign power have made them patriotically rally around the current regime, oppressive as it is. Many grieve the situation, seeing both the Iranian regime and the bombardment of their nation by outside powers as evils they are being forced to endure. They are neither pro-regime nor pro-war.

“Christians too have a variety of opinions, but they have an additional perspective: as one Christian leader explained: “Amid this chaos and division, the children of God are like lanterns, shining their light into the darkness, fear, and despair, lighting the way for the lost and the weary.” Whatever happens, the church will have a profound role to play as Iran emerges from this period of war, serving the hurting and introducing people to the love of Christ.”