Fear and faith among Iran’s youth

Amir*, a local Open Doors partner, was able to reconnect with several young people inside Iran who shared with him their grief, fears and confusion amidst the nation’s turmoil. These conversations took place before the most recent wartime internet shutdown.

“When I speak with people inside the country, I notice the same emotions in everyone. When I look at the faces of people in Iran, everyone looks sad – everyone is carrying so much.” 

These are the words of Amir*, an Open Doors local partner who has been in contact with various young people inside Iran. The prevailing sentiment is clear: many amongst the younger generation sense a conflict of emotions within them as well as conflict without – a struggle between feelings of fear, hope and guilt. 

“Many of the reports coming from inside the country reflect a climate of fear and trauma, especially among young people,” Amir shares. In one conversation, a young man spoke to Amir about what he had experienced. He had originally planned to join demonstrations with his sister but later chose not to go because of the danger. Then, during the protests, several of his peers from his neighbourhood were killed.  

“Why did so many people die when nothing has changed?” he asked Amir. “At least they had the courage to stand against the darkness. I didn’t.” 

This poignant mixture of grief and guilt is a theme that Amir has observed. “There is fear, there is hopelessness, and sometimes even guilt, like they owe something to those who died,” he explains. 

A need for comfort 

Whilst bearing their own sorrows and exhaustion, many Christian youths are trying to support each other as well. Amir talked with a young girl who wants to serve those around her. “She wants to comfort others as a Christian, but she herself has not yet received comfort. She wants to give hope to others, but she is not being spiritually fed right now, and this leaves many young believers trying to minister to others while quietly carrying their own pain.” 

With churches under pressure and unable to meet freely, desperately needed fellowship and spiritual support are becoming scarcer.  

And this isn’t the only kind of isolation believers feel. In the brief moments of connection with the outside world, Iranian believers have been strengthened by shows of solidarity from people beyond their borders. Now, in the latest blackout, many believers feel stranded. 

“When communication is cut, people feel alone. The government isolates individuals in the darkness, knowing that even small signs of global support can have a powerful effect on people inside,” Amir says. “I recall Iranian youth thanking people abroad who had gathered in solidarity. Some young people were crying, saying thank you, and some were surprised that people outside the country cared about Iranians.  

“Just hearing that others are thinking about them and praying for them gives renewed hope to Iranians living inside their country in these difficult days. Moments like these remind them that they are not forgotten,” Amir shares. 

Under watching eyes 

Many Christian families bear the weight of government pressure as they seek to support one another. Amir shares the story of a woman who was arrested. “They had a small gathering in her yard. Two doctors from their house church were helping the injured. Later, security forces raided their home. They took everything,” he recounts. 

 The woman was placed in detention for two weeks before being released on heavy bail. “The house church no longer meets and many of the young people who were connected with them are now scattered,” Amir says. “Even communication with family members outside the country has also become complicated. One call sometimes requires many difficult steps because everything is monitored.” 

Prolonged grief 

It is not just the older generation who are facing the threat of arrest and harm. “Disturbing stories circulate among communities about what usually happens after arrests,” Amir explains. “Even teenagers, some only 16 years old, are abused in detention centres and charges are fabricated.”  

For those who have lost loved ones, their grief is compounded because of silencing by authorities. “Sometimes families are forced to stay silent. They are told what to share with others publicly when asked about those who were killed,” says Amir. 

‘The God of all comfort’ 

Throughout his conversations with young people, Amir has seen the importance of simply sitting quietly with them. “They ask things like, ‘If God is just, why did this happen? Why didn’t change come sooner?’ In these moments, I believe the first ministry I can do here is listening. Right now, people need someone who will listen without judging.” 

One particular verse  comes to his mind: 2 Corinthians 1:3, where God is praised as ‘the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort’. Amir says, “I often remind the young Iranian believers that first we must receive His comfort and then we can comfort others.” 

He calls for your prayer as he stands with young believers fighting to stand firm in Iran, though communication has become much harder. “Since the war began, I’m not sure how these young people are,” he says, “but I keep praying that in the midst of everything they are facing, they would place their hope in God.”

*Name changed for security reasons