Iran: An Unlikely Kingdom Hotspot

Written by: The Go Team

Persecution. God's people are vilified in too many locations around the globe. In fact, 1 in 7 Christians worldwide –365 million people as of January 2024– are subject to "high levels of persecution and discrimination." The calculation was 1 in 8 in 2021. It's ironic that as followers of Jesus, we're taught to love others as much as we love ourselves, yet we're often repaid with widespread opposition and violence. We shouldn't be surprised: Jesus predicted this would be our experience (Matthew 24:9). 

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We've been watching the upheaval in Bangladesh, praying for our partners – our brothers and sisters there. It's incredible how a change in government resulted in a brief vacuum of law and order that unleashed whole communities to rise up against minorities, with Christians among the primary targets. Hatred boils below the surface, so it's no wonder Jesus implied that to hate your brother is tantamount to murder (Matthew 5:21-22). This sin of hatred runs rampant in so many countries. You need not look hard to find the top offenders of unleashed persecution: North Korea, Somalia, Libya, Eritrea, Yemen, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Iran, and Afghanistan. Today, our subject is Iran. 

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But persecution isn't why I call Iran "an unlikely kingdom hotspot." True to form, God loves to bring triumph where ashes and despair dominate. We saw it during the Communist Cultural Revolution in China. The evangelical church grew by leaps and bounds even as the government sought to stamp it out. So it is in Iran. Multiple sources now report that nearly one million believers in Jesus Christ live in Iran. Underground house churches exist throughout the country. Discipleship multiplication is happening at movement levels. Iran is far and away the hottest location in current times for the growth of Christ's kingdom - the big "C" Church. However, thanks to an antagonistic government, that church significantly lacks resources. It follows then that the growing church is experiencing a tremendous need for scripture and pastoral training. 

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Admittedly, we're far removed from our brothers and sisters in Iran. There are many Americans who even view Iranian citizens as our "enemy." I implore you to remember that Jesus teaches us to love our enemies (Matthew 5:43-48). Flip the script on our us vs. them, friend or foe, sin-birthed predisposition to judge and, instead, pray for those who persecute us. Seek to make a difference for Jesus in every nation among every people group (Revelation 5:9). No exceptions.

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So, how do we at Gateway Church make a connection? How can we make a difference in such a far-removed place with an antagonistic government and people who are off-limits? Our Go Team has two options for you beginning this fall. First, join us in praying for the church in Iran during the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on November 3. Although the 2024 prayer guides are not yet available, pick one up when they are because there will be a page for Iran. Secondly, near the end of the year, Gateway Church will be taking on a significant project to make God's Word available in Iran. Stay tuned for details of how you will be able to participate. 

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Together, we can be a resource to help sustain and transform God's people in Iran. Imagine the multiplication factor of one million equipped disciples! Let's stand side by side with them this fall.