ChristianToday, UK
June 15 2005
Gospel Reaching People in Iran via Mass-media
Posted: Wednesday, June 15 , 2005, 17:47 (UK)
Iran is a country which has a population that is 99% Muslim,
specifically Shiite Muslims, with the remaining 1% consisting of
Bahai, Jews and Christian faiths. Most of the Christian in the
country are Armenians and Assyrians.
The country is full of unrest among its people and it has proved
extremely difficult and dangerous to reach out to the Christian
believers and make Christ known among the rest of population. The
government is not supportive for church planting, and as a result
many violations against religious freedom and human rights have been
reported. Officials in the country believe that unrest in the
neighbouring Iraq may also have encouraged actions from local Muslim
extremists.
The religious minorities are facing many persecutions, and it has
been reported that all activities of religious minorities are being
monitored by the Ministry of Islamic Guidance. Non-Muslims are not
allowed to proselytise and those who convert to Christianity may face
the death penalty for apostasy.
Most Christian churches are allowed just to hold services in Armenian
or Assyrian and pastors of the churches are pressed to sign documents
stating they will not proselytise Muslims or allow them to attend the
church and services.
As the result, many of the churches went “underground”; however, they
have faced huge persecution and punishment from the government.
Using mass media in the spreading of the gospel seems to be an
opportunity used by many Christian evangelists and ministries in the
country. Through the radio and TV the good news is able to reach
those who are in situations making it difficult for them to be
reached.
Evangelist Sammy Tippit explains that the country’s young population
of under 35’s are marked at 67 million. Many of these young people
are disenchanted by the violence and this is has proved to make them
more responsive to something else.
Recently, Ministries of Joyce Meyer also announced cooperation with
the International Antioch Ministries (IAM). Broadcasting of Enjoying
Everyday Life television programs to Iran will be provided in Farsi
(Iranian language).
Pastor Hormoz Shariat, PhD, founder and president of IAM said: “These
programs are being very well received by Iranian viewers. Many
viewers have told us that they appreciate Joyce Meyer’s down-to-earth
and practical teachings, as well as her sense of humour.”
Millions of Iranian Muslims and thousands of new converts can receive
the strength and encouragement in their faith often desperately
needed in their situations, where so many oppressions are being
facing.
Donald Fareed, founder of Persian Ministries International describes
the situation in Iran: “As soon as people convert, [the authorities]
catch them and put them in jail. So we need democracy there. We need
freedom.”
Still, Fareed acknowledges that spiritual change must take precedence
over social or political change. “Freedom without Christ is going to
bring corruption, of course,” he says. “So the first thing is the
gospel and the second thing is democracy.”
On Friday 17th June the presidential election in Iran will take
place. However, the election is not considered free and democratic
since many candidates were disqualified and the voices of many,
especially among students, have called for a boycott of the
elections.
