Iran (MNN) — Amid war, protests, and social change, Iran finds itself at a crucial crossroads. Samira Nazari with Iran Alive Ministries says that millions of dissatisfied Iranians are turning their backs on the God of Islam. And the religion’s primary evangelist, the corrupt regime, is facing unprecedented pressure from all sides.

“They lost their position among the people. People no longer want them, no longer believe in them. They want them gone right now,” Nazari says. 

Yet the regime still holds the guns. In January, they massacred 30,000 protesters. Many Iranians are so disillusioned with their rulers that they want the war with the U.S. and Israel to topple their government. Countless Iranians who left to escape the repression wait with hope that the situation will change and they can return home.

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Nazari says, “They are now at the weakest of their powers. They’ve never been this weak, right? And so they’re putting a lot of pressure on people. The more pressure they’re putting on people, the more people are dissatisfied and also seeking for truth.”

Iran Alive Ministries is reaching these spiritual seekers like never before. Nazari compares it to Jesus meeting the woman at the well in John 4. 

“ So I think that we are living in that time of Jesus meeting His people, His bride, right at the well. That’s the crossroad I’m talking about, Jesus meeting His people where they need right now. That’s where our role is coming up, what we do in Iran Alive Ministry, like reaching out with the good news of the Gospel. People hear and their hearts are so open,” Nazari says. 

The church is growing incredibly fast in Iran. Nazari says the recent response to their TV broadcasts and digital ministry is unprecedented. 

“I’ve never seen this movement before,” Nazari says, “Like over 500 people weekly reach out and they say, ‘Hey, we want to listen. We want to know about the truth.’ Two years ago, it wasn’t this way,” Nazari says. 

Pray for the people in Iran struggling with despair because of their situation. Spiritual and political repression topped with economic hardship have made life very difficult. Many have turned to drug addiction and suicide. But with the hope of the Gospel, Jesus is bringing millions to new life. With the prayers of His people, perhaps God will bring this nation at a crossroads to Himself.

 

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