Rostampour has seen this up close. In 2009 he was in Tehran among those protesting Iran’s presidential election in what was part of the Persian Spring.
“We were there,” he said. “[Authorities] killed like 1,500 people. Yes, we were on the streets supporting people, praying for them. It was really scary because those people knew that if they lost, there was nowhere to go. So, they fought until the end.”
He has heard that the people are not only turning from the government, but because of Islam’s ruling factor, many have turned away from religion altogether.
However, he can’t help but connect that desire for peace and an intrinsic need for the freedom found only in Christ.
“They all want freedom and peace these days,” he said. “It gives us a great opportunity as the church to pray for Iran, and the people to find the peace and freedom in Jesus.
“Every week during our fellowship [on Instagram] we pray for this peace for Iran. We want them to know Iranian Christians are standing with them and praying for them and giving them hope because we have that hope.”
Americans, he added, can also pray for Iran and the churches there. They can help by being a voice for the Iranian people, as he urged in a recent Twitter video.
“Pray in your church this Sunday. Spread the word. Build awareness, because many don’t know the details of what’s going on,” he said.
As Rostampour checked his phone this morning on America’s east coast it was well into the day in Iran. The words of encouragement flashed among pastors.
“We are praying and continuing to serve.”
“It’s bad here. We’re in a battlefield but continuing to pray.”
“Our hearts are broken, but our hope is in the Lord.”
Those messages arrive every day.
“They are so bold and courageous,” he said. “I’m very proud of them.”
One Bible passage they share is Jeremiah 49:38-39. There, the Lord declares He will set his throne in Elam and “destroy their kings and officials. But in the latter days I will restore the fortunes of Elam.” (ESV)
Elam was a kingdom in modern-day Iran.
“This encourages them that God is at work,” said Rostampour. “They are not hopeless.”
This article originally appeared here.
