Faith Awakened – A Teen’s Journey to Jesus

In my years of ministry, I’ve witnessed many young people encounter Jesus in profound ways. Kevin’s story stands out as a testament to the transforming love of Christ. His journey reflects the quiet but growing Christian revival among Iranians, both within the country and in the global diaspora.

Despite the odds, hope is rising.

A Teen Caught in Deep Pain

Kevin (name changed for his protection) is a 14-year-old boy who joined our youth outreach program while walking through one of the hardest seasons of his life. His father had been held in a deportation camp for 11 months. The emotional burden weighed heavily on Kevin, and it showed.

The first time Kevin came, he was completely disengaged. He didn’t want to be there. In fact, the second time, his mother had to forcibly hand him to me just to get him through the door. We brought him to the front where the youth were worshipping – and something incredible happened.

Right from those very first moments, a supernatural joy came into this boy.

By the end of that session, Kevin was dancing in worship. We even had a hard time convincing him to go home!

A Visible Transformation

From that day forward, Kevin began attending weekly. The shy, withdrawn boy – who once avoided our gatherings – slowly came alive. His sorrow turned to smiles, and he engaged in every part of the session with joy and openness. It was a transformation that deeply moved not only his family, but all of us who serve in the church.

His change of heart brought great happiness to all of us.

Kevin also started growing in his understanding of the gospel. He learned how to pray and worship. While he wasn’t yet ready to fully surrender to Christ, we could see that his heart was healing.

Read more about our work to reach the children of Iran

A Miracle of Restoration

Six weeks after joining the group, God did something extraordinary. Kevin’s father was unexpectedly released from the deportation camp.

It was a divine touch of hope and restoration for the whole family.

This miracle strengthened Kevin’s faith and gave his family fresh hope. This moment breathed new life into Kevin’s spirit and deepened his curiosity about the God we had all been praying to. He continued coming to youth and church gatherings, soaking in the love of Christ and learning what it means to walk with Him.

A Teen Surrenders to Christ

In May 2025, after months of spiritual growth, Kevin made the most important decision of his life: he gave his heart to Jesus Christ.

As Kevin prayed to receive Christ, he was surrounded by fellow youth who laid hands on him, offering prayers, blessing, and words of encouragement.

In less than six months, God has restored Kevin’s family and healed his broken heart. He had rescued him!

A Glimpse of Revival

Kevin’s story is just one example of what we’re seeing across the growing Iranian Christian church. Young people of Persian heritage are encountering the gospel – despite persecution and overwhelming odds. These stories reflect a greater move of God, and what many now recognize as a Christian revival in Iran and among Muslim converts to Christianity.

Young people of Persian heritage are encountering the gospel – despite persecution and overwhelming odds.

Keep Planting Seeds, God Is Always at Work

Kevin’s story also reminds us that our God is always at work – even in the hidden, painful places we don’t always see. His transformation, healing, and salvation are evidence that no heart is too far gone for Jesus to reach.

Be encouraged! Let’s keep sowing seeds of love, prayer, and faith. Because our God is a rescuer, a restorer, and a Redeemer.

Read more about our ministry to help the hurting