Hope in Hidden Places: The Church in Iran

As the year progresses, our hearts long to share joyful images, children freely worshipping Jesus, families celebrating faith together, and stories of lives transformed through the tireless love and sacrifice of our family in Christ in Iran. Yet these are stories we cannot safely show. Behind closed doors and hidden rooms, followers of Jesus live under constant threat, oppression, and deadly persecution. And still, amazingly, their faith does not fade. Their courage shines brightly, a living testimony that God is at work even in the darkest places.

Our hearts are heavy as we witness the fear, pain, and suffering they endure each day. Many live with uncertainty, loss, and deep sorrow. Yet their hope remains unshaken, and so does ours. We place our trust in the Lord, and with that trust, we invite you to stand with us in prayer and intercession for Iran, where thousands of Iranian and Afghan believers continue, at great personal cost, to share the gospel with love, humility, and bold faith.

Let’s Be a Voice for the Voiceless

Millions of people in Iran are voiceless not only because communication has been silenced, but because their cries go unheard. Countless hearts are desperate for hope, longing for truth, and searching for peace, yet they do not know where to turn. Many have never heard the name of Jesus, the name that brings life, freedom, and salvation. Today, we ask you to cry out with us. Lift your voice in prayer. Call upon the name of Jesus for freedom, peace, and justice in Iran.

Our brothers and sisters in the underground church dream of a day when they can worship openly without fear, when they can sing, pray, and share life with their loved ones in the light. They long to boldly proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ without hiding, without trembling, and without the threat of persecution.

As the EBF family, we choose to take responsibility. We commit ourselves to prayer for Iran for peace in the nation and for the God-given freedom to believe. We stand for religious freedom for all people, including the millions of Afghans living in Iran, so that every heart may have the freedom to seek God, encounter His love, and respond to His call.

Prayer for Iran

Lord, we lift up the people of Iran before You. Protect those who live in fear. Comfort those who mourn. Provide for the displaced, the broken, and the vulnerable. Let oppression come to an end. Let freedom take root. Let hope rise where darkness has ruled for too long. Heal wounded bodies and aching hearts, and restore peace within families and communities.

We pray for believers and for Your Church, grant them safety amid persecution, wisdom and courage for leaders who serve in secrecy, and unwavering faith. May the light of Christ shine powerfully through acts of love, endurance, and faith, even in the midst of suffering.

We pray for leaders in Iran and throughout the world. Grant them wisdom, compassion, and restraint. May violence cease, bloodshed end, and hearts turn away from tyranny and toward justice. Lord, intervene. Calm the conflict. Restore peace in the region, and fulfil Your righteous purposes.

“A word of prayerful reflection for our sisters and brothers in Christ in Iran…

…“I have called you back from the ends of the earth, saying, ‘You are my servant.’ For I have chosen you and will not throw you away. Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”  ‭‭

-Isaiah‬ ‭41‬:‭9‬-‭10‬-