“More Iranians have become Christ-followers in the past 20 years than in the previous 13 centuries combined.”
This is a headline you’ve likely heard or seen recently, that document the explosive church growth in Iran. Even without physical church buildings and tax-deductible giving options, the church is growing rapidly and boldly. But you may not have heard of stories of regular Irani men and women and the reasons they are now following Jesus.
Here are 3 short testimonies of Iranian men and women who’ve come to Christ. This is how God is at work throughout the Persian world:
Komron’s Story
Komron was a violent man who used to sell drugs and weapons. One day, a friend gave him a New Testament. After reading the scriptures for five consecutive days, Komron gave his life to Jesus. When his family and friends began to see his transformed life over the next few months, many of them also came to faith. Komron’s now leads a growing house church in his own living room!
Reze’s Story
Reze was a mullah (a Muslim teacher, scholar) who hoped to become an ayatollah (a Shiite leader). One day, while studying at an Islamic seminary in Iran, he found a New Testament that had been boldly left in the library. Out of curiosity, he picked it up, began to read and was deeply shaken. Over time, he fell in love with Jesus. Today Reze is a trained church planter serving in the Persian world.
Fatimah’s Story
Fatimah’s earliest memories were of being raped by a relative. At age 11, she was sold in marriage to a young drug addict who abused her and then divorced her when she was 17. Upon returning home she was raped again, until she decided to leave. One day, while roaming the streets she heard the Gospel preached, and she put her faith in Jesus. Eventually, she married a Christian man. As they were receiving training in sharing their faith, Fatimah felt called to go back home and witness to her family. Her entire family repented and gave their lives to the Lord. The first church Fatimah and her husband planted was in her childhood home.
We have had the privilege of hearing Komron, Reze, and Fatimah’s stories. And we’ve heard countless other testimonies that are equally remarkable. Each one is a painful and yet a beautiful celebration of the gospel’s power and impact. Each one is a powerful reminder that despite trials and persecution — perhaps because of the suffering — the gospel of Jesus shines and the church grows.