Light Through the Darkness
On the other side of the globe, our Christian brothers and sisters in the Middle East face ostracization, imprisonment, and death because of their faith in Jesus. Despite this extreme religious persecution, the Church is flourishing. People are coming to Christ regardless of the threat to their safety because they are transformed by the gospel of salvation.
Since the Islamic revolution in 1979, Iran has been told that Islam is bringing heaven to earth, but people are witnessing evidence to the contrary. After the revolution, their currency has plummeted, unemployment is at an all-time high, and people do not have access to necessary resources like water and electricity. In this time of disappointment and despair, people are searching for meaning and spiritual direction.
It is in this context that PARS Theological Centre is carrying out its ministry. Since their foundation in 2010, they have been equipping Christian leaders in Iran and the Persian Diaspora. Through classes and resources in the Persian language of Farsi, they are furthering the message of the gospel in a way that makes sense in the context of Eastern cultures.
Around half of 516 students who are currently enrolled at the PARS Theological Centre live in Iran. Their bravery and conviction to further their studies of the Christian faith puts them at risk of imprisonment or severe persecution. Many Iranian Christians have already paid a price for their faith, and many more continue to face that possibility.
Despite the current regime’s attempts to silence Christ-followers, revival is breaking out in the Middle East. Believers who have been thrown in prison are sharing the good news of salvation with the other prisoners, bringing many to faith because of their testimonies. In the deepest darkness, the light is shining all the brighter.
We can join in the spread of the gospel on a global scale by supporting the work PARS Theological Centre is doing to equip leaders and pastors in the underground church in Iran and beyond.
Visit hppres.org/global to learn about our global mission partners or visit hppres.org/give to contribute financial support to the advancement of the gospel in Iran.
