All in the family
A lot has been made about the oppressive regime of the Islamic Republic
of Iran, too often that oppression is homegrown.
Walk the streets of Tehran and you'll see women wearing blue jeans, their
state-mandated headscarves pushed back to expose their hair and their
overcoats hemmed well above their knees. Men smoke cigarettes openly and
one of the most popular drinks in restaurants is nonalcoholic beer.
While the government winks at things like music and satellite television,
Iranian families are less tolerant of changes.
Majid* had a successful career in Iran's airline industry. He and his
family visited a friend living outside of Iran who had recently been baptized
as a follower of Jesus Christ. During their visit, Majid and his wife,
Gita* were moved by their friend's faith and changed life. Before the
visit was over Majid and Gita became Christians.
Emboldened by their new faith they returned to Iran. Their family noticed
a difference and began harassing the family because of their newfound
faith. The unkindness became so intense that one of Majid's aunts threatened
to ruin him and his family unless he rejected Christianity. Majid was
unable to reason with his family and renouncing his new faith was out
of the question. Majid and his family quickly packed what they could carry
and fled Iran, realizing that they would probably never return.
Today, Majid with all of his education and experience finds himself jobless
and with more faith than ever before.
Nora's* parents live outside of Iran and are solid and steady believers
in Christ. Her husband, Zal* and his family are staunch Muslims. While
Zal was completing his mandatory military service in Iran, Nora took their
young daughter to visit her family. While with Nora's family the young
girl observed and participated in the family's worship and prayers and
even attended church.
Nora's in-laws were horrified when Nora's daughter later spent a week
with them. Devout Muslims, they insisted that the girl join them in their
daily prayers. The girl obliged but prayed the same way she saw her Christian
grandparents pray. The family was further shocked when the little girl
concluded her prayers with the words, "... in Jesus' name, amen."
Nora's in-laws were alarmed that their preschool granddaughter was being
influenced by a genuine Christian faith. They pressured Zal to divorce
Nora, take custody of the little girl and forbid any contact with Nora
and her family.
After many prayers, tears and sleepless nights Nora's husband agreed to
only divorce her; Nora could keep her daughter and leave Iran if she wanted.
Nora, while not a Christian, has seen what the words and actions of even
a young child can bring in Iran. She and her daughter remain in Tehran
awaiting travel documents so they can join Nora's parents abroad.
The handful of evangelical churches in Tehran are filled to capacity for
every service. Worshipers and curiosity-seekers attend these services
under the watchful eye of the government. Chances are that they fear their
loved ones more than the Islamic Republic of Iran. PS
Prayer items for this article:
- Pray for the believers who live in Iran and live out their faith under
constant threats from family and authorities.
- The war in Iraq has brought instability to the region. Pray that
the gospel would bring stability to Iranians, Iraqis, Turks and those
in the coalition forces.
- Pray that you will be obedient to God's will in your life ... wherever
that might take you.
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