Middle East Conflict: A Potential Gateway for Christianity in Iran?
(Photo: EEM)
The ongoing strife in the Middle East might provide a unique chance to introduce Christianity to Iran, a nation where religious activities are tightly controlled, according to the mission organization EEM.
Open Doors ranks Iran as the 10th most hostile country towards Christians globally. Converting from Islam is not only illegal but can also result in the death penalty. Even those belonging to recognized Christian communities face discrimination and are often regarded as second-class citizens.
Christian churches are frequently subjected to police raids, especially during conflicts, as the Islamic Republic perceives Christians as potentially allied with its foreign adversaries.
This year, there has been a notable increase in efforts by Israel and the United States to instigate a change in Iran’s regime.
EEM believes that a regime change could create an unprecedented opening for gospel dissemination.
Dirk Smith, the organization’s vice president, expressed, “The Bible already exists in the languages many Iranian people can read, but if the door opens, the need could be far greater than anything we have seen before. We want to be ready to respond at the scale that moment may require.”
In anticipation of such an opportunity, EEM has prepared nearly 90,000 Bibles in various Iranian languages, including the first-ever New Testament translation into Gilaki, a language native to northern Iran.
Smith further stated, “For generations many Iranians have lived with severe restrictions on access to the Bible. If greater openness comes, even briefly, the opportunity for people to encounter God’s Word could be extraordinary.”
While EEM is hopeful for increased religious freedom in Iran, it acknowledges the gravity of the current conflict and calls for prayers for peace and safety in the region.
Bart Rybinski, vice president of EEM European Operations, emphasized, “Our first response must be prayer. This is a dangerous and deeply uncertain moment for the people of Iran, and we are asking Christians everywhere to pray for peace, for protection, and for the Lord to move powerfully in the midst of crisis.
“But we also have to be ready. If a door opens for more people in Iran to receive the Bible, we must be prepared to respond without delay.”
This article was originally written by www.christiantoday.com
