Amid the ongoing war and economic crisis, Iranian Christians are holding fast to their faith like never before. John Cerniglia, president of SAT 7 USA, a Christian satellite television network that broadcasts the gospel to the Middle East and North Africa, stated in an interview with CBN News that Christians in Iran are currently facing intense persecution and significant economic hardship.
Despite the dire situation, Christians are showing remarkable resilience and even experiencing spiritual growth. Cerniglia said that Christians in Iran were still coming together to pray and worship and help their neighbours in whatever way they could. He reported there is even an increased interest in the Gospel as people face the fear of death during the war.
Iowa based SAT 7 USA’s four satellite TV channels and online media reach 500,000 Iranians every day with the gospel message in Arabic, Persian, and Turkish. The ministry is also a lifeline for Christians who cannot practice their faith publicly, conducting private Zoom meetings for weekly prayer and Bible study.
According to Iran Alive Ministries, Iranian authorities have killed at least 33 Christian ministers and detained more than 130 others associated with an underground church movement in recent months. Listening to religious broadcasts is a crime in Iran. Yet, Iran Alive has recorded 5,849 conversions to Christianity this year alone.