Iran (MNN) — After the June 24 ceasefire between Israel and Iran, the Iranian government has increased its oppression of its own people. Yet God continues to move and show Himself to those who search for Him, including those who know Him already.
Lana Silk with Transform Iran describes Iranian believers this way: “They love Jesus. They prize Him above all else. They are prepared to be persecuted, to be victimized, to be tortured, even imprisoned, killed, whatever it takes in order to continue to love Him and serve Him.”
Many believers are leading others to the Lord even when they are still new to the faith themselves. Silk says many Iranians have deep pain and need discipleship to help them deal with it rightly.
One Iranian woman we’ll call Shirin* radically encountered Jesus — but first He asked her to take a step in her own heart.
(Photo courtesy of Transform Iran)
Shirin was attending an underground discipleship gathering with Transform Iran. She told God that she wanted a vision of Him, like she had heard about from other Christians. Later, the speaker told everyone in the room that they needed to take care of any unforgiveness in their hearts before taking communion.
“She knew God had laid out a clear choice for her, that she had to forgive every person who had hurt her along her path,” said Silk.
Shirin obeyed and prayed. Suddenly, her body began to tremble as the Holy Spirit began working inside her. She then felt a fire in her body.
“She closed her eyes, and then she saw Jesus standing there, His face glowing,” Silk said.
Afterward Shirin talked about how Jesus’ crown was golden. She described His appearance and smile with clarity. Silk said, “He spoke to her. He hugged her, kissed her on the forehead. He told her not to be afraid. He told her how much He loved her, and in that moment, He met the desires of her heart.”
When Shirin surrendered her resentment to the Lord and chose to forgive, God mightily answered her prayer.
Read more of the account of Shirin’s story here.
Please pray for the underground Iranian church. Pray for more profound encounters with the Lord, continued strength and resources for gospel ministry, and that they would be filled with courage and protected by God.
“God is living and active, and that means He’s living and active everywhere, and He’s living and active in Iran,” Silk said.
*Name changed
Header photo courtesy of
