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Even after 67 days of total internet blackout, Iranian Christians—both inside and outside the country—remain aware that their whole homeland is suffering from a failing economy, lack of access to medical care … and an overwhelming uncertainty about the future.
Yet, in the midst of these difficult conditions, last Friday marked the 100th day of a prayer chain. For 100 consecutive days, Iranians in the diaspora have chosen to stand in the gap and pray for their nation, while Christians inside the country cling to Jesus as their only source of hope. We talked to five Iranian Christians who shared glimpses of what life looks like for Christians inside Iran. The pictures they painted are bleak. Yet each believer also shared how Iranian Christians (many come from low-income backgrounds) continue to pray and lead with generosity in the midst of difficulty—lessons we can all learn from as we follow Jesus.
"God first calls us to live righteously and faithfully."
Armin*, Iranian Christian
"They have kept their eyes on Jesus." Abbas*, an Iranian Christian and Open Doors partner outside of the country, notes the resilience of churches:
"Around 60% of the churches we are in contact with have continued praying and gathering, often in smaller numbers, mainly to encourage one another. They have kept their eyes on Jesus and have sought to bring hope and love through small acts of kindness. In doing so, they are not only representing Christ but also showing their communities that Christianity is not confined within church walls."
"Tithes and offerings remain strong." Babak*, an Iranian church leader, reveals a deepening economic crisis met by generosity.
"House rent, utilities, fuel costs and prices of basic groceries have sharply increased. Damaged infrastructure, factory closures and rising unemployment are already making daily life more difficult for many families in Iran. Yet, there is a powerful testimony emerging from this situation: Despite the hardships, tithes and offerings remain strong as people continue to give even in these difficult days!"
"We try to support one another." Maral*, another Iranian church leader, shares how Christians are coming together to respond to need.
"During these days, we gather together and pray for people's financial struggles. We know of many people struggling, like a single woman who is supporting her family and has lost her job. Another man lost his job, and his wife is cleaning other people's homes to make ends meet. We try to support one another. Recently, a group of women in a relatively stable financial situation brought whatever they had in their freezers, refrigerators and cupboards and came together to cook and distribute food to those in need." From small contributions, the church was able to prepare support packages, and this became a great blessing to many. "It feels as though, in these days of war, God wants our hearts to grow closer to one another and to help each other. Simply knowing that we care for one another—each according to our own abilities—reassures us that God's love is at work among us. Through this love, we are able to serve."
"God first calls us to live righteously and faithfully …" Armin*, an Iranian Christian, highlights Isaiah 56:1.
"Given the current financial situation, it's easy to feel stressed and overwhelmed. But Isaiah 56:1 reminds us of something important: God first calls us to live righteously and faithfully, and then He promises that He will not leave us alone. God's blessings don't always come in the form of money. Often, they appear as open doors, timely help or the simple strength to keep moving forward. What truly matters is knowing that even in the middle of pressure and uncertainty, He remains faithful and has not forgotten us. These days, I don't see myself as strong or perfect—but I thank God that I'm still standing."
"We are helping them process fear and trauma." Shadia*, an Iranian Christian living outside the country, has been leading an online course (before the country's internet was cut off) and using her resources to help build the church inside Iran.
"We are helping the ladies grow in critical thinking, problem-solving, time management and stress management. The aim is to help them process fear and trauma, find healing and, whenever possible, pass on to others what they have learned. We see that happening today, when it is very much needed."
In a time when Iranian believers are living under significant pressure, seeing such faithfulness and unity among Iranian Christians has, in turn, encouraged mentors, teachers, pastors and leaders outside the country to delve deeper into God's Word. They are preparing for the time when connection in the country is restored so they can better support and care for the suffering yet resilient church inside Iran.
Praise God with us for the strength and resilience He has granted Iranian Christians. We can be encouraged by how our brothers and sisters are handling one of their most difficult seasons. Please continue to pray with them and help mobilize prayer support through your social media, small groups and simply by sharing this story with friends and family.
*Names changed for security reasons.
