We are called to the persecuted of Iran, inside and outside of their country. Here is how that began:
In 2021, launching our final child into life, had us beginning the process of seeking God and His will for our future. We are determined not to waste any of the time God gives us. We want to finish well. As I recently heard a pastor say, I want to get to Heaven sweaty and out of breath. That led us in early 2023 to sponsor a family of Iranian refugees for immigration to the US. I thought it would take a couple years and then we could do it again. Christmas week of 2023 the program specifically excluded refugees in the country they were in and later the program was cancelled completely. We didn’t leave our new family behind; we had grown to love them very deeply and wouldn’t let go of them as they suffer through their circumstances. Through all of this we have also become close with several other trusted and loved persecuted refugees, as well. With help from family, friends, and church we have been able to meet serious needs, as well as, help with some of things that make life a little bit easier. Medical needs are almost impossible to take care of when food is hard to come by. Beds, dishes, rugs, furniture, school expenses, food, and just about anything that you can think of.
I now know someone personally who is actively being persecuted and is in prison for their faith. This is someone I have talked to face-to-face. And yes, we can get help to those in prison. In the US, persecution is a theory. For our Iranian friends and family, it is very real and traumatic. I know people who have given up everything for their faith in Jesus. Families, home, businesses, financial stability, country, and their future.
The peace of knowing Jesus brings tribulations as he says in John 16:33.
“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” (ESV)
In their deep suffering, these are the true heroes of the Faith. It is our honor to help them in any way possible.
To protect our brothers and sisters, we will keep our first names and faces out of the way. If you join with us, we are happy to share some of the many more stories and who we are, if you like.
Jesus left us as parts of his body, hands, feet and so on. When suffering for the faith the persecuted many times feels abandoned by the God they serve; but, if Jesus has left us here to do his work, then aren’t they really abandoned by us rather than God? You too will be blessed as you join us doing just that.
