Release International

Release International launches appeal to train leaders and evangelists as persecution continues

Release International (RI) is launching an appeal to strengthen the underground church in Iran where Christians continue to be rounded-up and persecuted for their faith.

Working in close partnership with evangelical leaders, RI is to help train a growing number of emerging evangelical leaders, especially those working with women and youth.

According to Shi’ite cleric, Hasan Mohammadi from the Ministry of Education: ‘On average, every day, 50 Iranian girls and boys convert secretly to Christian denominations in our country.’ (Reported widely on Farsinet and by the Inter Press Service (IPS)).

The cleric was lamenting the fact, but according to a key leader in the Iranian church who cannot be named: ‘A window of opportunity is now open. An emerging generation of young people have deep spiritual needs and are asking questions. The answers can only be found in Jesus Christ. We must seize the moment and invest in equipping our leaders to reach out with the love of God.’ So RI is undertaking a mentoring and development programme for three groups vital to the future growth of the church in Iran: emerging church leaders; women-to-women evangelists, and youth leaders.

Iran ranks fifth on the world persecution index. The authorities have banned the Bible and shut down churches that accept Muslim converts. Proselytising is illegal and Shari’ a law calls for converts from Islam to be sentenced to death for apostasy. Christians are imprisoned, harassed and intimidated and evangelicals are often kept under surveillance.

‘One of the most strategic things we can do at this time is to help develop new skills and abilities among Christians working with Iran’s young population,’ says a spokesman for Release International.

‘This is a very real opportunity for us to make a significant investment in strengthening tomorrow’s Iranian church, today. We ask you pray for the people of Iran and their leaders and to respond as generously as you can.’

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