Christian Fellowship in Iran: Shirin’s Story of Faith

A Heart’s Cry for Christ

Many believers in the West may not realize how deeply the people of Iran long for hope. In the middle of fear, persecution and isolation, Iranian men and women are turning to Jesus. This is the story of Shirin (name changed for protection) – a woman who experienced a life-changing encounter with Christ through Iran’s underground church and the deep support of her Iranian Christian fellowship.

“I Wanted to Meet Jesus for Myself”

Shirin had heard the testimonies of other believers – accounts of dreams, healings, and real encounters with Christ. But her heart still ached for something more personal. She had longed for a personal encounter with Jesus for years.

In my journal, I had written one of my greatest wishes: to meet Christ.

When she was invited to a discipleship seminar in a safe location, led by underground believers supported by Transform Iran, she came hungry to learn.

The teaching was powerful. But she was still waiting. She was still asking God for more.

A Night of Breakthrough

On the final evening, the group gathered for the Lord’s Supper. Brother Arsham, a trusted leader in Iran’s underground church, preached about forgiveness.

If you still carry resentment in your heart,” he said, “don’t take communion until you forgive.

Those words pierced Shirin’s heart. She had been carrying years of pain and betrayal. But that night, she made a choice: to forgive every person who had wounded her. Even those who had hurt her deeply. She laid it all at the foot of the cross.

As Sister Nader led worship, Shirin sat quietly at the back. And as the songs rose, something began to stir deep within her.

A Holy Encounter with Jesus

As she took communion, her body began to tremble. She wept as she felt something spiritual awaken inside of her.

Suddenly, a mute child began to laugh and shout, lifting their face and hands to the sky. For the first time, they spoke clearly and joyfully, filled with the Holy Spirit and praising God!

In that moment, her heart burned like fire and her body trembled. Yet deep inside, she knew that something holy was happening.

And then, Jesus came.

I closed my eyes and saw a man in white. His face glowed. His hair was black and wavy. He wore a crown of golden leaves. He smiled at me.

He hugged her, kissed her forehead, and whispered: “Do not be afraid.”

Discipled by Iran’s Underground Church

From the depths of my being, I cried out and surrendered all. I collapsed, sobbing, and laying all my fears, stress, anger and bitterness at the foot of the cross. I had received my heart’s desire – to encounter Christ. In the Spirit, near His cross, He met me. I felt the Father’s love pour into me like a healing river of light.

From that moment on, Shirin’s life was transformed.

But Shirin isn’t walking this journey alone. Through Transform Iran’s underground church fellowship, she has been surrounded by brothers and sisters in Christ – receiving personal pastoral care, discipleship, and ongoing mentorship.

The 222 Church pours into us through discipleship, teaching, seminars and many resources. We are strengthened to grow strong in our faith and bear fruit for God’s glory.

How You Can Help Christians in Iran

Shirin’s story is just one of many. Across Iran, believers gather secretly in homes, receive training and spiritual support, and risk their lives to follow Jesus.

You can stand with them.

• Pray for encounters, boldness, healing and protection.
• Give to support discipleship, house churches and training for underground church leaders.
• Share stories like Shirin’s to help raise awareness and much-needed support.

Against All Odds, Iran’s Underground Church Grows

Even under persecution, the Church in Iran is growing, fueled by stories like Shirin’s. Encountering Jesus in Iran is not rare. It’s happening now. And it’s through the faithful, hidden work of Iran’s underground church and partners like you that lives are being changed.

I am forever grateful. Christ came for me. And now, I will live for Him.

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