Recent Prisoner Update

Release International sources state that Pastor Behnam Irani's health remains a significant issue although he continues to be positive and strong in the Lord. He is reported to be suffering from a skin condition that prevents him from going outside, as well as back and eyesight problems. Please also include in your prayers the housing needs of his family. (Added note: There are concerns that even if he completes his prison sentence, the authorities may attempt to keep him detained indefinitely under the charge of being "an apostate.") To learn more about his situation, click here.

Thank you for remembering to pray for the release of Pastor Behnam Irani, Pastor Saeed Abedini and other Iranian Christians who are imprisoned for their faith. May God sustain them and their families as they face extremely difficult circumstances.

  • Current Ministry Fund

    By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.

    Project Fund: Underground Church

  • Country Information

    Designation
    Persecuted

    Population
    87,590,873 (2023 est.)

    Ethnicity
    Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes

    Religion (%)
    Islam (98.5), Christian (0.7), Baha'i (0.3), agnostic (0.3), other (0.2)

    Leader
    Ayatollah Ali Hoseini-Khamenei (1989)

    Government type
    Theocratic republic

    Legal system
    Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law

    Source: CIA World Factbook

  • Pray for Iran

    As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.

Iran News