As internet access gradually returns across the country, SAT-7 USA is once again hearing directly from viewers who relied on the ministry’s Persian-language channel for spiritual encouragement, prayer, and hope during a season of unprecedented disruption. 

Photo courtesy of Akbar Nemati on Unsplash

The blackout severed communication for many Iranian families and communities, creating additional challenges for Christians who often depend on online resources for fellowship, discipleship, and spiritual support. Despite these barriers, SAT-7 PARS continued broadcasting via satellite, ensuring viewers could still access faith-based programming throughout the crisis. 

One viewer who participated in a SAT-7 teaching session after connectivity started to return shared how God sustained his family through the hardship. 

“Yet, miraculously, God provided for us from places we could never have imagined and met all our needs,” he said after losing his job during the conflict. “We had nowhere to turn and no hand to hold except that of our Heavenly Father.” 

Hope Through Reconnection 

As communication channels reopened, SAT-7 PARS immediately began receiving messages from viewers across Iran. In a single day, the ministry received approximately 70 messages through WhatsApp, while viewers rejoined online teaching sessions and children’s programs for the first time in months. 

“We were constantly worried about each viewer,” said Ashraf Khalilpour, SAT-7 PARS Viewer Support Manager.“Now that the internet is gradually returning, we are seeing immediate signs of reconnection.” 

While the return of internet access is encouraging, many Iranians continue to face economic hardship, emotional strain, and ongoing restrictions. SAT-7 PARS anticipates an increased need for counseling, prayer, and practical support as viewers process the impact of months of isolation.

“For many people, the damage caused by months of disconnection will continue to be felt emotionally, economically, socially, and spiritually,” said Reza Jafari, SAT-7 PARS Multimedia Senior Manager.“Our role will be to listen carefully, respond pastorally, and provide content that helps people process what they have experienced through the hope and truth of the Gospel.” 

Through satellite television, digital platforms, and personal follow-up, SAT-7 continues to remind viewers throughout Iran that they are not alone. Even during periods of conflict, uncertainty, and restricted communication, the ministry remains committed to sharing the hope of Christ with those searching for encouragement and connection. 

Header image courtesy of SAT-7 USA

At the same time, Edwin Abnous with Heart4Iran says reports about Iran’s political leadership are conflicting.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian (Photo courtesy of Khamenei.ir, CC BY 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=150832367)

“Iran International reported that Iranian President Pezeshkian has sent his resignation to Mojtaba Khamenei, the Supreme Leader, but there is no way to verify this.

“It seems like there is an anonymous source sharing this information with Iran International, and we do not know who this source is. After that, a few Western media outlets also picked it up and repeated it, but as of now, no one has been able to independently verify it.”

Yet, there is one encouraging development.

“It seems like the internet is back on again,” says Abnous. “However, there is also severe restrictions for Iranian users. They need to use VPN to get into the outside world, but WhatsApp and Telegram and social media platform connections and messaging systems are picking up again, and we’re receiving some contacts, and that is good news.”

Restored internet communication, even to some extent, means more than exchanging messages. It means believers can better share Gospel hope with Iranians.

(Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran)

Abnous explains, “It is very important for the ministry like Heart4Iran to be able to have this two-way communication and connection with the people inside the country, because that is where discipleship is happening.”

For believers watching events unfold, Abnous encourages keeping sight of the people behind the headlines. While governments negotiate, exchange threats, and trade accusations, millions of Iranians continue searching for hope, truth, and lasting peace.

Pray for stability in the region, protection for civilians caught in conflict, and open doors for Gospel ministry. Ask God to strengthen Iranian believers and draw many people to Himself through the ongoing outreach and discipleship efforts taking place despite restrictions.

Learn more about Heart4Iran and its ministry to people in Iran at heart4iran.com.

Header photo: Tehran, Iran (Photo courtesy of Mohammad Amirahmadi/Unsplash)

“This is another story: how brutal Taliban is in Afghanistan and how they are limiting access to human’s basic needs in Afghanistan.” 

Since the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghan citizens have battled a challenging political and economic landscape, marked by limited or restricted access to rights, education, and even food and water. 

The Taliban cited concerns over pornography access as the reason behind the most recent internet blackout.

“However, many observers believe the move is less about morality and more about information control and isolation,” Nehemiah says. 

In Afghanistan’s most rural areas, some villages are regularly without internet or mobile network access. Between existing access challenges and imposed shutdowns, Nehemiah says universal connectivity across the nation remains elusive.

“Even though the media is claiming that the internet has been restored in Afghanistan, still there are many cities with no internet,” he says. 

He points out that pastors and underground leaders rely on digital communication. 

“Messaging apps, online trainings, coordination with overseas partners: this blackout tries to smear these lifelines.”

But shackled internet cannot thwart the purposes of the Lord. Nehemiah says blackouts are an opportunity for people to ramp up use of solar-powered audio players distributed by FMI and Keys for Kids. Each device contains pre-downloaded Scripture and devotional content, which means sunshine, rather than wifi, is its fuel. 

“This device does not require any internet. It is built-in devotional tools in their own language,” Nehemiah says.  

He reminds us that the church is not called to wallow in darkness but to stand forth in light. 

Please pray for the people of Afghanistan. Pray that they will hear, believe, and trust in the Word of the Lord, and pray that any ongoing or forthcoming Taliban restrictions will be an opportunity to seek Him more heartily. 

For any areas still affected by the shutdown, please pray for restoration of access, and continue to ask for the Lord’s favor and protection as FMI and partners distribute resources. 

Nehemiah reminds us that one kind of connection is sure:

“Spiritual communication – prayer, scripture, fellowship – that does not require any signals and wires,” he says.  

All images used in this article by courtesy of Pixabay

Zion was once a massive house church. But it was banned in 2018 after refusing to install government surveillance cameras in its sanctuary. The congregation has continued to meet in smaller groups in creative ways since then, despite continued challenges. 

This series of detainments has received the condemnation of the US State Department.

A cross outside of a government-approved Three Self Patriotic Movement (TSPM) church in Suzhou, China. (Photo courtesy of IMB)

“It is a new and significant crackdown that should get our attention and should refocus our thoughts and prayers towards the people in China that are facing ever-increasing challenges and outright persecution,” says a gospel worker supporting the Church in China. 

Last month, the Chinese government issued new restrictions on how religious leaders can and cannot use the internet. According to a report from Bitter Winter, Zion Church’s coordinated arrests seem to stem from church leaders disregarding those regulations.

“[Online platforms] became very important during COVID and have been a really important tool for especially the house churches, but the registered churches as well,” explains the gospel worker. 

As Chinese believers continue to pivot under government rules, they need wisdom for how to minister the gospel. 

“The Christians in China are not afraid to take some risks and to do things that might get [them] in trouble, but if they don’t have to and there’s strategies otherwise, then they’d love to take advantage of that,” says the gospel worker. 

Pray for younger believers to glean insight from the older generation on how to endure and adapt to persecution.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Donald Tong/Pexels.

The apostles of Jesus understood the importance of hearing the Gospel in one’s own language — even the New Testament was originally written in Greek.

Mark Stedman from Wycliffe Associates explains,

“One of the things that we know about Bible translation is that the work is difficult and the work is rewarding, and the work certainly brings an amazing spiritual blessing to the community that’s doing that.”

The ministry provides communities with written Bibles, sign language, as well as oral and audio Scripture. “We really want to be able to provide scripture in any way that people need,” says Stedman.

Bible translation is accelerated by empowering national translators and partnering with local churches. These translators often face displacement, persecution, and economic insecurity. Supporting and encouraging them is a vital goal of the ministry. Stedman shares:

“I always tell people, how do you treat people that you care about? You talk to them. You’re engaged in their lives. You sit and pray with them, you listen to their struggles, and you try to help them.”

Old Greek Bible (photo courtesy of Kelly Sikkema via Unsplash)

To support this work, Wycliffe Associates uses Starlink internet, sending it directly to translators or relocating it with traveling workers. Having this technology regularly and consistently available has helped shorten the distance between Bible translation groups and their supporters worldwide.

“We’ve got over a dozen units now that are in place around the world. They are in Africa, as well as in the Pacific. There’s one particular Pacific nation that has over 250 million people in it, and it’s been really helpful for them. We’ve got some in Central America. In addition to that, we also have a number of units that travel,” says Stedman.

These “traveling units” are not fixed in one location but are assigned to field personnel who travel globally to support Bible translation efforts, carrying these portable units with them.

“It helps them to upload their Scriptures, to make sure that they’re safely saved in the ‘cloud’. It also allows them to be able to make those calls,” says Stedman.

Please pray that the Holy Spirit would encourage the hearts of His people as they serve through Bible translation. Visit Wycliffe Associates to know how you can help people hear the message of love in their own language!

Header photo: Indigenous man (photo courtesy of Alva Shoot via Pexels).

Instead, delivery of aid is choked by military junta checkpoints, where inspections and bribery are the norm, says a pastor with A3. On top of that, attacks between the junta and rebel groups have been reported, despite the temporary ceasefire that was announced last week. 

Because of the junta’s actions, “That’s why, especial[ly] the most affected area, people are crying. No water, no help,” says this pastor from Myanmar.

“One very serious thing I really want to make known to the world is, ‘Don’t try to legitimize the military junta. They are seeking international legitimacy acknowledgement by using this situation.’” 

He says over half of Myanmar is no longer under the control of the military but instead the legitimate government, the National Unity Government. However, the military junta has control over the internet.

Photo from Tambon Mae La, Kayin State, Myanmar (Photo courtesy of Z via Unsplash)

“The [internet] switch is in their hands. It’s so hard to get the actual ground information. Generally we know that international aid comes in, trying their best to [do] the rescue things, as well as trying to help people. But the need is so huge. The impact area is vast. But the help, international help comes — it’s too small, actually. It’s too small, unbelievably too small.

“People [are] helping — but the need and the help, it’s like an elephant and sesame seed.” 

Myanmar has a history of its people responding to help one another, the pastor explains.

“Wherever there was that kind of natural disaster, people rise up. You don’t have to push them — they just rise up and in one heart and trying their best to help. So churches are the same: rising up, trying to help from our own pocket,” he explains.

Even so, the pastor says Christians should be described as “wounded healers.”

“But one thing [I want to] say: Don’t expect too much, because we churches also are facing the same situation.”

Would you consider partnering with A3 to send relief to Myanmar? The pastor says the Free Burma Rangers are also on the ground and doing true good there, as they have for decades.

Pray for genuine comfort and genuine help to be sent from the international community, not tainted by political agendas.

“Pray for comfort. Pray for comfort,” the pastor says. “Please pray for God’s strength from above for the churches.” 

Header photo from Myanmar courtesy of Guilherme Romano via Unsplash.

One of the most beautiful sounds to the human ear is the sound of one’s own name, especially when called by the Creator and Savior. But many truth-seekers in South Asia have never known this joy because their language has not yet welcomed Jesus. Without Scripture in their heart language, they remain disconnected from the greatest story ever told.

Moved by this reality, twenty-five believers have answered the call to bring God’s Word into their world of sounds. Wycliffe Associates is coming alongside them, providing essential tools, encouragement, and training to make it possible. Mark Stedman from Wycliffe Associates explains:

“The teams that are choosing to do this work, they do it because they love the Lord. And despite all of that, sometimes these projects can take a year or even two years.”

Photo is a representative stock image courtesy of Randall Meng via Unsplash

Two years can feel like a long wait for those desperate for hope. That’s where Starlink — a satellite internet service — comes in. By equipping translators with their own internet kits, the mission removes several key barriers.

“So what’s exciting about this new technology is we can upload files, back up their work, and even have video calls with people in the remotest places on Earth, so they can work with facilitators helping them translate,” says Stedman.

Bringing the Gospel to these unreached groups costs about three to four thousand dollars, covering the Starlink kit, delivery, and setup. This is where your prayers and support can cross land and sea to reach the waiting hearts of Southeast Asia.

Visit Wycliffe Associates to learn how you can help!

Header photo Malaysia (Photo courtesy of Melanie Lim/Unsplash)

In Iran, the government can not only limit or shut down the internet, but also track peoples’ use of it. Because of this, more and more Iranians are turning to satellite TV, which cannot be stopped or monitored. 

(Photo courtesy of Transform Iran)

It’s a trend that ministries such as Transform Iran are making the most of for Christ. 

“They’re not necessarily looking for Jesus at this point,” says Lana Silk with Transform Iran. 

“They take to the satellite airwaves to find material from the West that they can listen to that is different to the rhetoric that they hear at home — and that is where we want them to find Jesus.”

There’s an interesting contrast here. In 2016, Iranian officials confiscated 100,000 satellite dishes, declaring that the corrupting influence of satellite TV led to marriage troubles, addiction and poor education for children. 

Today, however, Transform Iran hears testimonies from people who were caught in those same struggles. But in these accounts, people on the brink of suicide, or trapped in addiction, depression or broken relationships discovered the help they needed. 

“They find the message of Jesus through the TV, and it gives them hope, it gives them a better way, and then through that they can contact us — and we give them safe ways to do that. Then we can minister to them in-person and disciple them,” Silk says.

“We have really increased our investment into program creation, to make sure that we’re delivering fresh, current quality programs that the people of Iran will want to watch, will engage with and be blessed by.”

In addition to recently finishing a series on history, politics and heritage of Iran, they have also focused on children’s programming. Silk says that in Iran there are eight to 10 million children between the ages of five and 12. They are the future of Iran. 

(Photo courtesy of Transform Iran)

“We would love you to pray for us for protection on all the people involved in the frontline producing these programs, because we see time and again, as people take offensive in spiritual battle, their health is attacked, their families are attacked,” Silk says. 

There is also a practical way you can reach Iran with the gospel: by partnering to support their next programs.

“Our regular programming costs $800 for one 30-minute episode, $900 for children’s programs,” Silk says. “That’s everything from conception to production, to all the talent to recording, post production, editing. All in one, that’s $800-900 will get you a program.”

Click to learn more about Transform Iran’s ministry in radio, television and social media.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of mojzagrebinfo/Pixabay.

Libya has been divided for over a decade. The previous regime led by Muammar Gaddafi for more than 40 years was overthrown in 2011. In the power vacuum that followed, rival governments arose in the east and west. Islamic law rules.  

What is life like for believers? Riadh Jaballah, friend of Voice of the Martyrs Canada says, “The situation now in Libya is not stable. The church, it’s underground, and still individual.” 

He explains that Christians say they prefer for security reasons to keep to their families or to themselves as individual followers of Christ. 

They don’t say that without reason. Libya is currently number three on the World Watch List from Open Doors. Persecution comes from family as well as the government.

(Photo courtesy Voice of the Martyrs Canada)

“Christian(s) from Muslim background (have) no way to leave, practice their faith or change their faith,” Jaballah says.

It’s a sobering reminder for Christians who live in countries where they can freely gather and communicate.

Still, there is hope for Libyan believers. 

Jaballah reminds us that Simon of Cyrene, who carried Jesus cross to Golgotha, was from a city in eastern Libya. Christianity also took root in Libya during the first centuries after Christ, whereas Islam came into existence much later in the seventh century AD. 

“We don’t know we have this heritage of Christianity. It’s good to encourage our people all the time and remind them that we are Christian,” Jaballah says. 

“We thank God for the social media and internet open(ing) many opportunity and open(ing) eyes (and) mind(s) to know about this heritage and to encourage each other and (break) the fear.”

Pray for Libyan leaders, that they would know and stand in the ancient roots of Christianity in their country. Praise God for how social media and the internet have helped connect Libyans with the hope of the gospel. 

Finally, pray with Voice of the Martyrs Canada for Libyan believers to endure persecution faithfully for Christ. 

“But we believe through these circumstances, God is here God is working, using many factors and many situation(s) to witness to Him,” Jaballah says. 

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of M.T ElGassier/Unsplash. 

Speaking to university students last week, President Ebrahim Raisi said Iran would unblock social media platforms if the parent companies set up shop in Tehran. Iran’s communications minister now says he wants to keep the restrictions on foreign social media in place.

Iranian lawmakers tightened the country’s internet censorship legislation last year amid widespread civil unrest.

“Right now, the authorities are extremely controlling any kind of communication in or out of Iran,” Transform Iran’s Lana Silk says.

“It’s harder for people to connect with us on social media or using any kind of internet-based means, even phone calls.”

But difficult is not impossible. Most Iranians use VPNs or other workarounds to bypass government restrictions. This opens the door for digital evangelism and discipleship.

“On a Sunday, we have a fully interactive Zoom meeting where hundreds of devices will join. It doesn’t replace church; we’re not saying, ‘Nobody should gather together in person; let’s just do it all on Zoom.’ It is an essential tool for this climate, and it’s a great partner tool for physical churches,” Silk says.

“Iranians are coming to the Lord in the thousands. We need to find creative ways [to] speak to them, nurture them, ensure they’re growing with biblical theology so that heresy doesn’t creep into the Church.”

Transform Iran began its digital church community in 2018. Learn more here.

(Graphic courtesy of Transform Iran)

“The digital church started years before COVID as a response to a need. We began collecting isolated Christians together using Zoom and building community with them,” Silk says.

“They needed nurturing, encouragement, and strengthening; some [were] in isolated locations in Iran, unable to connect with others.”

Pray for wisdom as Transform Iran grows its digital church ministry. Pray for opportunities and resources to develop digital church communities in Iran’s minority language groups.

Spread the word. Use the links at the bottom of this page to share this report on your social media platforms.

“The people of Iran – now more than ever – need the global Christian community to be their voice and intercede on their behalf,” Silk says.

Header image is a representative stock photo courtesy of Pixabay.