In recent months, we have received many testimonies from Iran regarding the powerful impact of Derek Prince's Bible teaching. One of the letters we received came from Hamid (name changed for security reasons), and it highlights the remarkable journey of how his life took a dramatic turn from atheism to Christianity.
Iran is ranked 9th on Open Doors' list of countries where Christians aremost persecuted for their belief in Jesus Christ.
Conversion from Islam to Christianity is illegal in Iran, and anyone caught as a convert can be arrested and imprisoned. Despite this religious persecution and adversity, the Christian community in Iran continues to grow, inspired by the power of prayer and life-changing encounters with the living Christ. Hamid is one of these brave believers.
Surrendered to Christ
Hamid was once a fervent atheist, vehemently opposing the existence of God. However, things started to change after a visit from his father. Hamid’s father, living in Armenia, had brought one of Derek Prince’s books with him. Seeing the book, Hamid got interested and started reading it. This sparked a profound transformation in his life, and as a result, Hamid surrendered his life completely to Christ.
Blessed To Be a Blessing
Deeply impacted by Derek's Bible teaching, he contacted our outreach team, seeking for ways to serve the Lord. Hamid started translating more of Derek's teaching into Farsi (the language spoken by Iranians) and spread Derek's teachings in Iran, so that others could be just as blessed as he had been by it.
All this is the result of the fervent prayers and financial support of our ministry friends, for which we express our deepest gratitude. Hamid's story vividly illustrates how faith can flourish even in the most challenging circumstances.
As Derek Prince explains in "God’s Persecuted People", God suffers with His persecuted people and identifies Himself with them. This principle is clearly demonstrated in the encounter Saul of Tarsus had on his way to Damascus, which led to an unexpected meeting with Jesus Himself. He heard a voice say to him, "Saul, Saul, why do you persecute me?"
Derek Prince elaborates, "You notice what Jesus asked Saul. He didn’t say, 'Why are you persecuting my people, my followers, my disciples...' He said, 'Why are you persecuting Me?' And when Saul asked who He was, He said, 'I am Jesus, whom you are persecuting.' It's a profound reminder that God's people never suffer alone; God is always with them, sharing in their sufferings, especially when endured for His name, His glory, and in obedience to Him."
"God's people never suffer alone; God is always with them."
(Derek Prince)
Venture of Faith
As Derek Prince Ministries, we are dedicated to serving our brothers and sisters in Iran with Derek’s Bible teaching and through training pastors of the underground church. As Derek Prince states, "The way we deal with those people is the way we deal with God."
We also serve Iranians living outside of the country, such as Hamid’s father in Armenia. The largest number of Iranian immigrants and Iranian diaspora communities are actually concentrated in North America. Over the years, thousands in Los Angeles and other places have been given access to Derek's Bible resources and teachings in their native language.
Recently, our outreach director into Iran spoke at a large Persian church in Los Angeles, USA, touching many deeply with his message. In an incredible venture of faith, two men, despite enjoying comfortable lives in the United States, made the courageous decision to return to Iran to serve and preach the Gospel, heeding the divine call they received.
We call upon our global community to join us in prayer and support as we move forward with our mission. Your partnership, through both prayer and financial support, is crucial as we prepare to host a conference in Los Angeles for Persian-speaking ministers. This event aims to equip and empower them with resources to boldly spread the Gospel in Iran and beyond.
Together, let's pray that this has a significant impact for the Kingdom of God. Your active involvement is not just appreciated; it's essential for the advancement of our ministry's mission to bring hope and the transformative power of the Gospel to every corner of the earth.
Learn more with Derek's teaching on Our Responsibility To All Nations.
