Iran conflict could open doors for the Gospel, says mission agency

Mission organisation EEM has said that the continued conflict within the Middle East could present a “historic opportunity” to spread the gospel into Iran, which heavily restricts Christian activity.

Iran is currently ranked the tenth worst persecutor of Christians within the World by Open Doors. Conversion from Islam is illegitimate and may potentially result in the death penalty. Even members of the historic Christian communities report being treated as second class residents.

Churches often fall victim to police raids, with pressure increasing during times of conflict, attributable to the perception that Christians could also be aligned with the external enemies of the Islamic Republic.

This yr has seen an intensification of efforts by Israel and the US to effect regime change in Iran.

EEM suggested that ought to the present regime fall, an unprecedented opportunity to spread the gospel would present itself.

Dirk Smith, vp of the group, said, “The Bible already exists within the languages many Iranian people can read, but when the door opens, the necessity could possibly be far greater than anything we now have seen before. We wish to be able to respond at the dimensions that moment may require.” 

In preparation for such a chance, EEM has produced nearly 90,000 Bibles in Iranian languages. Among them is the primary ever translation of the New Testament into Gilaki, a language spoken in northern Iran.

Smith added, “For generations many Iranians have lived with severe restrictions on access to the Bible. If greater openness comes, even briefly, the chance for people to come across God’s Word could possibly be extraordinary.” 

While hoping for greater openness in Iran to Christianity and the scriptures, EEM said it recognised the seriousness of the present conflict, and urged Christians to “pray for peace and protection in Iran”.

Bart Rybinski, vp of EEM European Operations, said, “Our first response must be prayer. This is a dangerous and deeply uncertain moment for the people of Iran, and we’re asking Christians in all places to hope for peace, for cover, and for the Lord to maneuver powerfully within the midst of crisis.

“But we also must be ready. If a door opens for more people in Iran to receive the Bible, we should be prepared to reply at once.”