The ripple effect of following Jesus in Iran

As conflict in Iran continues and the church hopes for a better future, you can read an update from Simin, an Iranian Christian woman living outside the country.

Written by Bahar*, an Iranian Christian living outside the country

Two years have passed since many people first heard the testimony of Simin*, an Iranian Christian woman who faced arrest and persecution because of her faith. Today, she continues to live in exile with her husband and their young child. Though they are now physically safe, the pressures on their lives have not ended. 

Simin closely follows the news of protests, violence and the escalating war, while at the same time struggling with long periods of silence when communication is cut off. “Days without news from your family is a very painful,” she says. “When the internet is cut off, you don’t know what is happening to them.” 

During the protests there were more than two weeks with no connection, and once the conflict escalated communication was again blocked. “When the war started, again there was no internet,” she explains. “No connection, no way to hear from my loved ones.” 

A spiritual war 

During the brief windows when communication was possible, Simin was able to speak with believers inside the country. What they shared deeply affected her. “They told me how boldly they joined the protests,” she says. “Many Christians were helping injured people and trying to support others but emotionally and mentally they were under huge pressure as well.” 

For Simin, the crisis unfolding in Iran is not only political. “This is not only a physical war,” she says. “It is also a spiritual war.” 

While watching events unfold from outside the country is painful, the persecution her family faces began long before the current conflict. “Persecution did not end with my case; it later affected different members of my family as well,” Simin remembers. The pressure first intensified when her sister tried to leave Iran. “She had planned to leave the country,” Simin says. “But just a few days before her flight, she was arrested.” 

Her sister was taken into custody and spent an entire month in detention. “She was interrogated many times during that month,” Simin explains. 

Eventually she was released on bail while waiting for the court decision. At that point, lawyers warned her that the outcome would likely be severe. Many Christians arrested in similar cases had received sentences of up to ten years in prison. “They encouraged her to leave the country before the court decision came,” Simin says. 

Her sister followed that advice and managed to leave Iran. But soon after, the verdict arrived. “The court sentenced her to more than five years in prison,” Simin shares. “There was also a large fine and more than five years of being denied social services.” 

Further arrests 

Her sister is now safe after fleeing, but the authorities continue to target those who remain inside Iran. “My mother was taken for interrogation too,” Simin says. “The government knows about our ministry, and they are still asking questions about us.” 

Even Simin’s father has been caught in the net of oppression. He is now trying to pay the heavy fines imposed on the family due to their faith in Jesus. “My father is trying to pay the money, but the amount is very high,” she says. 

Additionally, Simin’s brother and his wife were not spared. After Simin and her husband fled Iran, they too were arrested. “They were taken to prison,” she says. “But they decided to stay in Iran and endure it. And after spending several years in prison, they were eventually released, yet their situation remains difficult. They are constantly monitored,” Simin explains. “The government keeps threatening them, yet they are sure of their calling to not only stay but to continue serving.” 

Hardships and hopes 

Authorities frequently question all the remaining family members about Simin and her husband. “Whenever the government sees our activities outside Iran, they ask my brother if he is in contact with us,” she says. “They are still after us!” 

The build-up of stress is affecting Simin’s health. “The stress and pressure lower the immune system,” she says. “When your heart and mind are under constant worry, the body also becomes weak.” She’s developed a serious illness in the weeks since conflict erupted in Iran, leaving her exhausted and with breathing difficulties. 

Living as a refugee, Simin experiences significant financial hardship – particularly after her husband lost his job last year. At the same time, Simin continues to carry deep concern for the people of Iran as shortages and instability grow worse. “There is no internet, and people don’t have access to food or basic needs.” 

Yet, despite the fear and uncertainty, Simin refuses to lose hope. “I believe that after all these years of oppression, God is at work in Iran.” she boldly shares. 

She acknowledges that the current days are filled with fear and suffering, but she also senses the possibility of change. “These days are very difficult, but there is hope that something positive can happen, something that brings justice and freedom for everyone.” 

Her hope is also for the chance to return home. “I am more than ready to go back to Iran if the situation allows,” Simin says. After years of displacement, her heart still longs for the land where she was born and where she grew. 

“Thank you for your prayers,” Simin shares with a smile on her face. “Your prayers have supported us through many dark days.” 

Please keep praying 

• For protection and strength for Simin’s family members in Iran who continue to face persecution and pressure from the authorities 

• For Simin’s sister who fled Iran, that she will be able to begin a new and safer life 

• For Simin, her husband and their child as they continue to live in displacement, facing uncertainty while longing for their home 

• That Iran would one day open up so that people like Simin can safely return and live with freedom of belief 

• For healing across Iran for those who have experienced trauma, violence and the loss of loved ones 

• That God’s justice would cover Iran and the entire Middle East, bringing justice, freedom and hope for the future. 

*Name changed for security reasons