While COVID-19 has ravaged Iran’s government and economy, a popular Christian satellite channel is reporting an upsurge in Iranian Muslims converting to Christianity.
Mohabat TV has recorded 10 times more salvation decisions online than this time last year, with 3,000 Iranians coming to Christ every month since March.
“We have seen an increase in our online traffic from inside Iran,” said Mike Ansari, director of operations for Mohabat TV. “That’s why we call this the pandemic of hope.”
Ansari said that the Iranian government has increased internet bandwidth in order to keep Iranians at home during the pandemic. Many Iranians are going online to research alternatives to what the government is telling them.
“People in Iran are just not happy with the way their economy is going, the way the government is robbing them of their national resources and exporting Shia Islam to the neighbouring countries. They just don’t trust their government,” Ansari explained.
“Iranians have declared publicly that they don’t want to have an Islamic republic anymore,” Ansari added.
Ansari says that despite the risks, Iranian Christians are out in the streets aiding and ministering to people affected by the pandemic.
“The church in Iran is fighting for its survival,” said Ansari. “We are asking the international community to pray for Iran’s church, which is under severe persecution from its own government.”
Sources: VOM Australia, Decision, CBN News
Praise God for using the current pandemic, economic downturn and distrust of the authorities to encourage people to seek the truth.
Pray for courage and protection for those ministering to people in need and boldly sharing the Gospel.
Pray for those who are suffering for their faith in Christ, including those currently imprisoned for their Christian activity.