Rapid Growth Despite Intense Persecution

Iranian believers studying the Bible - Photo: Release International www.releaseinternational.org
Photo: Release International

Iranian Christians are witnessing one of the fastest growing underground church movements in the world. Yet, along with this exponential growth, are the fires of intense persecution. Any form of evangelism committed by Christians is considered illegal and, therefore, can even lead to the death penalty. Faith in Christ results in serious consequences and converts from Islam face arbitrary arrest and detention. In addition, they are often forced to divulge information on other Christians.

Despite the severity of opposition, the Iranian church is growing rapidly. One media outreach, Sat-7, reports that at least two to three people every day contact the ministry to acknowledge their newfound faith in Christ. Today's media has proven to be a major resource in reaching this nation which is presently closed to more traditional methods of evangelism. To further utilize the effectiveness of media ministry, VOMC also partners with Hovsepian Ministries in the production of videos that are being used for outreach throughout Iran and around the world. For more information, go to Hovsepian.com.

  • 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

  • Armenian Christian Faces Ten-Year Sentence
    Hakop Gochumyan
    Hakop Gochumyan
    Photo: Article18

    Hakop Gochumyan and his wife Elisa are citizens of Armenia who went to Iran for vacation in August 2023. While the Christian couple and their two children were having dinner at a friend's house, agents from the Ministry of Intelligence raided the property. The authorities took the Christian family to the home of Elisa's grandmother, where the believers had been staying, and proceeded to search the residence. During the raid, Christian books and other personal belongings were confiscated. The couple was then taken to Evin Prison where they faced interrogation and intense psychological torture.

  • Esmaeil Narimanpour Sentenced to Prison
    Esmaeil Narimanpour
    Esmaeil Narimanpour
    Photo: Article18

    On Christmas Eve of 2023, Esmaeil Narimanpour was apprehended by security forces. The Iranian follower of Jesus was charged with "acting against national security by communicating with Christian 'Zionist' organizations." As of April 30th, he was released on bail after spending more than four months in detention. For more details relating to his case, see these previously posted reports.

  • Detained Christian Convert Released on Bail
    Esmaeil Narimanpour
    Esmaeil Narimanpour
    Photo: Article 18

    Christian convert Esmaeil Narimanpour was detained at his home on Christmas Eve in 2023. When his family members attempted to inquire about his situation, they were subjected to interrogation by security forces for several hours. For more details on this incident, go to this page.

  • Ebrahim Firouzi Dies of Heart Attack
    Ebrahim Firouzi
    Ebrahim Firouzi
    Photo: Article18

    Ebrahim Firouzi, an Iranian convert who was arrested several times for his Christian activities, unexpectedly passed away on February 20th from a heart attack. The Christian man's body was found in his home by his brother, who went to check on the believer after not hearing from him for a few days. Ebrahim was only 37 years old.