Jesus Invades Iran: Save America Ministries

In this interview with attorney and author, Chuck Crismier, Lana Silk reveals how God is working in powerful and unexpected ways within the underground church in Iran. In a country where Christianity is illegal and believers face severe risks, Lana shares how the gospel is reaching thousands through media and specially designed discipleship programs. Hear inspiring stories of transformation and learn how you can support the mission to bring hope to a nation in desperate need.

Below is an abbreviated version of Chuck’s interview with Lana. For the full interview, please listen to the replay above.

Transforming Iran: The Story of Faith, Digital Ministry, and Underground Christianity

In a country where media is heavily restricted and Christian materials illegal, a remarkable story is taking place in Iran. Despite intense persecution, the underground church in Iran is growing. Through innovative digital platforms, satellite TV, and other media, Transform Iran is overcoming barriers to spread the gospel to the people of Iran.

The Power of Faith and Urgency: A Family’s Journey

Interviewed by Chuck Chrismire on Viewpoint, Lana Silk, CEO-USA of Transform Iran, shares about her family’s journey into ministry which began with a powerful story of divine calling. Lana’s father, Lazarus Yeghnazar, was born in Iran and had a life-altering encounter with Jesus Christ as a boy. He found himself arrested twice for preaching the gospel, but always felt that God had a greater purpose for him. One night, the Lord spoke to him through a dream, instructing him to bring his family out of the country. After a few days of intense prayer and fasting, they knew that they had to leave Iran immediately.

“We didn’t know why, but we sensed a divine urgency,” Lana recounts. “When we came out of the country, the Lord spoke to us and said, ‘What you think is persecution is nothing. It’s going to get much worse. The church will be driven underground, and I need you to help strengthen and grow what will be a heavily persecuted church.’”

This sense of urgency, of being called out of one place to move into another for God’s greater plan, became the catalyst for their mission. Their faith journey underscores the importance of following God’s direction, even when the path ahead remains unclear.

Overcoming the Walls of Islam: Digital Ministry and Underground Churches

In Iran, evangelism is illegal. Speaking about Christianity, accessing Christian materials, or distributing the gospel is prohibited. Yet, despite these restrictions, God is using digital platforms to spread His word far beyond the walls of the Islamic state.

We are living in a digital age, and there is so much that can be done to spread the gospel. Through satellite TV, radio, social media, and websites, we are able to lob the gospel over the walls that Islam has put in place.

Iranians are finding access to Christian teachings via satellite television broadcasts, Christian radio stations, and online content. Despite the government’s attempts to block this influx of Christian messages, technology has allowed the gospel to reach the hearts of millions of Iranians.

“Iranians are seeking an alternative message, and we have to be ready to offer them Christ,” Lana shares.

For many, this is not just an introduction to Christianity. It’s a life-changing encounter with Jesus Christ. Lana explains:

People in Iran have seen visions and dreams that draw them to Jesus. God is using these visions and dreams to open hearts. But that’s just the first step. Our goal is to root them in the full gospel, ensuring they’re not dependent on visions alone, but grounded in God’s Word.

Boldly Sharing the Gospel Despite the Risk

For Christians in Iran, sharing the gospel is not just a matter of faith – it’s an act of courage. Despite the immense risks, Transform Iran uses digital platforms – like encrypted messaging apps, satellite TV, and social media – to help Christians connect, worship, and learn in an environment where religious expression is highly restricted.

Lana shares:

Technology has become a lifeline for the Iranian church. It allows us to share the gospel, provide resources for discipleship, and create a vibrant Christian community, all while staying one step ahead of government surveillance.

Through these digital tools, Transform Iran reaches tens of thousands of Iranians each month, offering Bible teachings, worship, and even mentorship programs. In a country where public gatherings of Christians are heavily policed, these digital spaces serve as sanctuaries for those eager to learn and grow in their faith.

Reaching the Persecuted Church with Hope and Discipleship

The persecution of Christians in Iran is real and often severe. Being caught with a Bible or sharing the message of Jesus can lead to imprisonment, torture, or even death. But even in the face of such danger, the church in Iran is growing – and Transform Iran is helping to guide and strengthen those believers.

Our goal isn’t just to share the gospel; it’s to create disciples who are not only equipped to stand firm in their faith but are also empowered to share that faith with others, even in the most hostile environments.

Growing Church in an Unlikely Place

The growth of the Iranian church is nothing short of miraculous. From an estimated 100,000 Christians a decade ago, the number of believers in Iran has now soared to an estimated 3 million. While this is a testament to the power of God’s work in a hostile environment, it also presents a significant challenge for Christians who must practice their faith under constant scrutiny.

Lana explains:

There’s a lot of fear. But there’s also a lot of courage. Many Christians in Iran are risking their lives to follow Jesus. The persecution doesn’t stop them from sharing their faith with others. In fact, it often strengthens their resolve.

Chuck reflects, “It’s incredible to think of the strength and boldness of the Iranian church. Despite the risks, the church continues to grow and is actively reaching others.”

Transform Iran’s work is crucial in helping these believers stay connected to a larger body of Christ and empowering them to grow in their faith, even in the face of such immense danger.

Strengthening the Iranian Church: Digital Church Networks and Discipleship

Transform Iran’s ministry extends far beyond simply broadcasting the gospel. Their mission is to nurture and strengthen the growing underground church in Iran. To do so, they have created the digital Persian Community Church that connects Iranians with a Christian community.

We connect 20,000 to 25,000 Iranians every month to Iranian Christian communities. Whether they’re watching church services via satellite TV or connecting with others through Zoom prayer groups, we want to ensure they are growing in their faith and experiencing fellowship.

This network enables Iranians to join live church meetings on Friday nights (the equivalent of Sundays in Iran), where they can receive prayer, hear the gospel, and even experience healing. “We’ve had incredible testimonies of people calling in and receiving healing live on air,” Lana says. “It’s amazing how God is moving through these broadcasts.”

Additionally, Zoom meetings take place six days a week, where small groups can gather for intimate prayer and Bible study. As believers become more confident in their faith, they move from passive participation to more active involvement in the community.

For those who are new to the faith, the follow-up team provide one-on-one discipleship, ensuring that new believers are grounded in the Word of God and equipped to grow in their faith. “We call them every week, guiding them through their journey and ensuring they stay rooted in the gospel,” says Lana. “We don’t just want them to hear the gospel – we want them to be transformed by it.”

Prayers and Support: Standing with the Iranian Church

While the digital tools and strategies are vital to the mission of Transform Iran, Lana emphasizes that prayer is equally essential. “None of this would be possible without the prayers of the global church,” she says. “We need people to stand with us in prayer for the safety and strength of Iranian Christians.”

Chuck concurs: “The global church’s support – both in prayer and in financial partnership – is key to sustaining the work. Standing with the persecuted church in Iran is a powerful act of solidarity.”

If you feel called to support this bold work, Transform Iran offers various ways to get involved. Whether through prayer, financial support, or spreading awareness, each contribution strengthens the impact of this ministry.

How You Can Get Involved

If you want to help empower the church in Iran, here are a few ways you can get involved:

Pray: Prayer is a powerful weapon, and the Iranian church needs your intercession.
Give: Your financial support helps fund Transform Iran’s work, from providing digital discipleship tools to expanding outreach.
Spread the Word: Share the stories of the Iranian church with others, and raise awareness about the challenges and triumphs of believers in Iran.

Visit TransformIran.com to learn more about how you can make a difference.

Conclusion: A Church That Can’t Be Stopped

The story of Transform Iran is a story of courage, resilience, and faith. Despite the dangers of evangelism in Iran, Christians are boldly sharing the gospel and seeing lives transformed. Through digital outreach, discipleship, and a commitment to standing alongside the Iranian church, Transform Iran is playing a pivotal role in the ongoing revival in the country.

As Lana Silk shares:

We are witnessing a revival in Iran, and it’s happening right now. It’s not just a secret movement – it’s a movement that’s changing lives and hearts, and it’s only just beginning.

Radio interview originally posted on: OnePlace