Iran censorship drives truth-seekers to Christ: Mission Network News

by Katey Hearth

Iran (MNN) —  Iran targets media and information freedoms in its latest crackdown.

Two female reporters each recently received a three-year prison sentence for their coverage of last year’s protests. Days later, Iran’s telecom minister met with his Russian counterpart to discuss internet regulation.

Iran and Russia have both received international criticism over their harsh restrictions. In June, leaded documents revealed Iran’s pursuit of “total Internet censorship.”

“Right now, Iranians face a lot of control over what they are and aren’t allowed to access or be influenced by, which fuels their hunger, and they go looking for something different,” Lana Silk with Transform Iran says.

We want to make sure that we’re present in every possible way to share the Gospel with them, whether they’re channel hopping on TV or scrolling through social media.

Talking about Jesus online provides safety for believers and people searching for hope.

“Iran is not a country where you can walk around in the streets and freely talk about Jesus or invite people to a meeting,” Silk says.

“Often, the first way people connect with the Gospel is through media.”

Transform Iran uses a full range of media to bring the hope of Christ to Iranians: TV, radio, social media, and mobile apps. More about that here.

“It’s not just a case of one-directional communication; there are always ways in which people can interact with us. Our follow-up team is busy answering thousands of phone calls yearly,” Silk says.

“They take people through a year-long discipleship journey to make sure that the fruit of all of this media isn’t just interest or curiosity met, but a commitment to Jesus, (spiritual) growth, and the planting of churches.”

Transform Iran needs your help to keep this work going. Partner with Transform Iran here.

“We have a whole range of ways in which we use media to [share] the message of Jesus Christ clearly and consistently with all the people of Iran,” Silk says.

Originally posted on: Mission Network News.