Revival in Iran: 'I Want to Be a Christian' - CBN News Chris Mitchell

Revival in Iran: 'I Want to Be a Christian'

11-23-2016

CBN News Chris Mitchell

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CENTRAL TURKEY -- When we think of Iran, scenes of mobs shouting "death to America," blindfolded hostages, and radical leaders demanding nuclear technology come to mind.

But there's another side of the country: Iranians who love America, Israel, and Jesus Christ.

CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell met and talked with some of these Iranian believers outside of their country in central Turkey.

Related

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Tired of Islam, Iranians Ask ' Who Is This Jesus?'

Dreams, Visions Moving Muslims to Christ

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Infectious Faith

When someone gets baptized in this house church, people clap and cheer like fans at a World Cup match. While they've suffered persecution and often fled for their lies, they still possess an infectious and joyous faith like Iranian believer Raizal.

"Growing up I wanted to say I grew up [with] Jesus Christ," Raizal told CBN News. "Every time, His name was in my mind. And the next moment I started liking Christianity."

"It was really sweet to me, the feelings, the stories, everything. So by the time I was 15, I believed in Him and I said I want to be a Christian," he said.

Many Iranian refugees have fled Iran and come here to Turkey where they can seek refugee status with the United Nations. Some say it's just like coming out of the darkness.

"[It's] totally different from Iran," Iranian Christian Afshin told CBN News. "I can privilege [speak about] God's Word to other guys. I can freely praise the Lord. I can easily go to church. It's completely different."

Pastor Saeed's Church

Afshin attended the church led by American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who languished for years in an Iranian prison.

Following his arrest in the summer of 2012, the church disbanded. Later Afshin found himself on the run.

"As a result, I came out of Iran because day by day it was more difficult and it was more risky for me also," he explained.

"I had to change our home because I was sure that one day they would realize my home as an underground house church," he continued. "They would recognize it; the intelligence services would recognize it."

Internet Church 

Others, like Raizal and Reza, her brother, fled for their lives.

"It was really a bad situation there," Raizal recalled. "I couldn't pray [to] God with all my heart because all trouble was there. Even if I say 'Jesus Christ,' they may kill me."

"It become [sic] [a] problem for my job and my health," Reza said. "They tried to kill me [and] then I start to run away."

Despite the constant threat, danger, and risk, these believers keep the faith. Now they've found a church home and family. Their pastor leads house churches in Iran, as well as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Malaysia, all via Skype.

"The main church is my house, and through the Internet I connect to everybody," Reza said. "That's why it's become like an Internet church."

He says a great revival is underway within the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"Right now you can see the results of the Holy Spirit," he said. "From 1994, there were about 100,000 believers. Right now, there are 3 million. You can see what the Holy Spirit is doing with the people."

Dreams and Visions of Christ 

Many came to faith through a dream or a vision.

"I had a dream. I had a dream long time back and every time that Jesus was with me," he continued. "And in all of my life, He was helping me and I didn't know who was this Person. Suddenly Jesus Christ was over there and He said, 'Come to Me.' And I came to that side and He accepted me."

Despite all the hardship and being forced from their homeland, these believers exude joy. Many hope to achieve refugee status one day and immigrate to other countries.

In the meantime, they want believers in the West to pray for the Church in Iran.

"And I'm just begging, really, from the other believers, from other sisters and brothers from all over the world, to pray for Iran and to all the people of Iran to find new God and be familiar with God, with Jesus Christ," he said.

Watch interview here

Pastor Saeed's Wife Has Strong Words for Iran President Hassan Rouhani - Jay Sekulow with ACLJ

Demonstrators protest Pastor Saeed Abedini's imprisonment. (Facebook)

Pastor Saeed's Wife Has Strong Words for Iran President Hassan Rouhani

9/28/2015 JAY SEKULOW/ACLJ  charisma news

Join us on our podcast each weekday for an interesting story, well told, from Charisma News. Listen at charismapodcastnetwork.com.

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Iran's President Hassan Rouhani is publicly holding American Pastor Saeed Abedini and the other wrongfully imprisoned Americans as hostages, demanding ransom for their freedom.

Rouhani told CNN:

"If the Americans take the appropriate steps and set [a number of Iranians in the United States who are imprisoned] free, certainly the right environment will be open and the right circumstances will be created for us to do everything within our power and our purview to bring about the swiftest freedom for the Americans held in Iran as well ...

"If the Americans take the appropriate actions vis-a-vis Iranian citizens who are being imprisoned here, then the right atmosphere and environment will be created for reciprocal action perhaps."

This is an absurd and insulting demand, treating Pastor Saeed—who has committed no crime and is merely imprisoned because of his Christian faith—as a hostage for ransom.

Pastor Saeed's wife Naghmeh emphatically responded:

"My husband is not collateral. He is a father and a man who broke no law. Yet Iran is treating him like a pawn in a game of chess. President Rouhani's demand that America release 19 criminals in exchange for his consideration of releasing individuals like my husband, imprisoned solely for his faith, demonstrates that the Iran of today is no different than the Iran who took Americans hostage during the Iranian revolution.

"The environment is ripe for Iran to demonstrate it is ready to re-enter the global market and international scene of diplomats; it is time to show its good will, to change its image from one of a pariah to a member of the global society who will protect fundamental rights."

As Iran's president prepares to address the United Nation's General Assembly in New York—on American soil—now is the time to garner goodwill on the world stage and release the wrongfully imprisoned Americans. It is time for the U.N. to directly engage and urge Iran to release these wrongfully imprisoned U.S. citizens and allow them to return home—especially Pastor Saeed.

Naghmeh explained the importance of this moment on Fox News recently. 

Our team, along with Naghmeh, is currently in New York, engaging with key world leaders and U.N. delegations to increase pressure on Iran, as Iran's president is on U.S. soil—where Pastor Saeed belongs.

Over 1 million have signed our petition for Pastor Saeed's freedom. Please continue building on this momentum as we aggressively fight for his freedom by adding your name today.

For a limited time, we are extending our celebration of the 40th anniversary of Charisma. As a special offer, you can get 40 issues of Charisma magazine for only $40!

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'Viciously' Beaten: Saeed Attacked by Fellow Inmates

'Viciously' Beaten: Saeed Attacked by Fellow Inmates

CBNNews.com

Thursday, June 11, 2015

American Pastor Saeed Abedini was "viciously" beaten last week by fellow prisoners in Iran, theAmerican Center for Law and Justice reports.

His wife, Naghmeh, writes about the attack on her Facebook page, saying, "It is truly heartbreaking to know that one day after I spoke in front of our Congress, Saeed was beaten by fellow prisoners."

The June 3 attack took place as he was attempting to leave his cell. Pastor Saeed was punched in the face near his left eye and nose. Both eyes were beaten black and blue, but no bones were broken.

His attackers also destroyed a small table he used to study and read. Prison guards did not intervene when he called for help.

ACLJ's Tiffany Barrans spoke more about Saeed's situation. Click play below to watch.

"It's time to get Saeed home before it's too late," his wife wrote.

Saeed has been beaten multiple times in the past, including by prison guards.

A Painful Reality: The Long Battle to Free Saeed

Naghmeh Abedini, wife of Pastor Saeed

By Charlene Aaron

CBN News Reporter

Friday, September 26, 2014

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BOISE, Idaho -- For the last two years, American Pastor Saeed Abedini has been in an Iranian prison because of his Christian faith.  Christians around the globe have been praying, and many will join rallies across the country on Sept. 26 to push for his release. 

Saeed's wife, Naghmeh, has led the fight. She told CBN News it has been long and painful. Naghmeh said when she and Saeed married she never dreamed they would ever be apart.

"I never dated before Saeed," she said, adding, "He was my everything and I processed everything with him, my best friend."

Saeed, an Iranian-born Christian and U.S. citizen, is serving eight years in the brutal Rajai Shahr prison, one of Iran's worst penal facilities, for doing nothing more than preaching the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Iranian government also calls him a national security threat for openly practicing his faith outside of their country.

***According to the ACLJ, nearly 300,000 people worldwide have signed the BeHeard Project petition in an effort to get him released.

Let your voice be heard, sign the petition. 

While in prison Saaed has endured torture and threats from guards and fellow inmates.  He has also suffered from internal bleeding and other health issues, but prison officials have denied him proper medical attention.

Today, he faces yet another threat inside the prison walls from members of the Islamic State, or ISIS.

"They've been beheading Christians all over Iraq and Syria," Naghmeh said. "Here's someone who converted from Islam and he's an American citizen and so they want his life in that prison so it's been really intense for him in that prison."

Saeed's parents have been allowed to visit him once a week in prison, but he has not been able to call his wife back home in the U.S.  It is a painful reality for Naghmeh and the couple's two young children, ages 8 and 6.

Earlier this year, Naghmeh produced video messages of her children asking for President Barack Obama's help to bring their father home.

"My son was 4 and my daughter was 5, so this is her 3rd birthday without him," she explained. "I never imagined. It was too painful to realize that my kids will grow up without their dad and it's been painful."

"I had a lot of emotional days," she commented.

'Abandoned' by the US

Naghmeh has turned her pain into a crusade for her husband's release, taking her case to both the United Nations and the U.S. Congress.

She said at times she feels abandoned by the U.S. government.

"There's been no efforts to get him out outside of a few statements here and there," she added. "I really do believe that Iran, if there's incentive they will release him if someone's stern with them," she said.

The U.N. recently issued a report on Saeed's case in which it strongly condemned Iran and called for his release.

When he was first imprisoned, Saeed and his wife felt bitterness against Iran.  But now Naghmeh prays for her husband's captors and that God would use Saeed's story for his glory, even if that means she never sees him again.

"It's been this really intense moment where my eyes have to be on Jesus every day," she told CBN News,

"If I turn it to the Iranian government, what they're saying, or our government - I will fall," she added. "I can't look at who's saying what and who's doing what for Saeed. I just have to look at Jesus."

It is a prayer she also prays for Saeed. 
 
"I've been praying that God would just give him grace for that day," she said.

Opportunity to Witness

One positive result that has come from Naghmeh's journey to free her husband has been the unique platform to share the Gospel.

She said she has been able to share in front of the U.S. Congress a few times, different parliaments in Europe as well as all over the world, telling them that Jesus is the answer.

She said it is a message that Saeed also shares while in chains.

In letters from prison, she said he shares how he hugs those who persecute him in the prison and how he has led many Muslims to Christ.

"He's in the darkest place and he's sharing Christ where they never would have a chance to hear about Christ if he wasn't there," she told CBN News.

"I've heard that some of the prisoners have said, 'I don't feel in prison anymore,'" Naghmeh shared. "'I feel free because I found Christ.'"

Strengthening the Persecuted Church

While she said her heart aches for her husband's safe return, she said his story is strengthening the body of Christ around the world.

Prayer vigils in 493 cities in more than 30 countries will mark Saeed's 2nd anniversary in prison with a specific focus on the persecuted Church.

"This is the 2nd year he's in prison because of his Christian faith and (we're) not only remembering Saeed but we're remembering other persecuted Christians," Naghmeh said. "We're coming together and praying."

"My eyes are on the Lord," she continued. "That's where Saeed's deliverance will come from and that's why this day of prayer is so important to me."

That is what keeps her going.

"…like Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in saying God will deliver me, but if he doesn't I give my future, my life to you," she said. "Whatever happens I'm going to be okay."

And she is confident that Saeed would agree.

"I know he would say it's worth it, if I die in this cell it's worth it. That's what keeps us going is knowing that it's for Jesus," she said.

Watch video: The-Long-Battle-to-Free-Saeed

Revival in Iran: 'I Want to Be a Christian'

By Chris Mitchell

CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief

Friday, July 25, 2014

CENTRAL TURKEY -- When we think of Iran, scenes of mobs shouting "death to America," blindfolded hostages, and radical leaders demanding nuclear technology come to mind.

But there's another side of the country: Iranians who love America, Israel, and Jesus Christ.

CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell met and talked with some of these Iranian believers outside of their country in central Turkey.

Infectious Faith

When someone gets baptized in this house church, people clap and cheer like fans at a World Cup match. While they've suffered persecution and often fled for their lies, they still possess an infectious and joyous faith like Iranian believer Raizal.

"Growing up I wanted to say I grew up [with] Jesus Christ," Raizal told CBN News. "Every time, His name was in my mind. And the next moment I started liking Christianity."

"It was really sweet to me, the feelings, the stories, everything. So by the time I was 15, I believed in Him and I said I want to be a Christian," he said.

Many Iranian refugees have fled Iran and come here to Turkey where they can seek refugee status with the United Nations. Some say it's just like coming out of the darkness.

"[It's] totally different from Iran," Iranian Christian Afshin told CBN News. "I can privilege [speak about] God's Word to other guys. I can freely praise the Lord. I can easily go to church. It's completely different."

Pastor Saeed's Church

Afshin attended the church led by American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is still languishing in an Iranian prison after nearly than two years.

Following his arrest in the summer of 2012, the church disbanded. Later Afshin found himself on the run.

"As a result, I came out of Iran because day by day it was more difficult and it was more risky for me also," he explained.

"I had to change our home because I was sure that one day they would realize my home as an underground house church," he continued. "They would recognize it; the intelligence services would recognize it."

Internet Church

Others, like Raizal and Reza, her brother, fled for their lives.

"It was really a bad situation there," Raizal recalled. "I couldn't pray [to] God with all my heart because all trouble was there. Even if I say 'Jesus Christ,' they may kill me."

"It become [sic] [a] problem for my job and my health," Reza said. "They tried to kill me [and] then I start to run away."

Despite the constant threat, danger, and risk, these believers keep the faith. Now they've found a church home and family. Their pastor leads house churches in Iran, as well as the United States, Canada, Germany, and Malaysia, all via Skype.

"The main church is my house, and through the Internet I connect to everybody," Reza said. "That's why it's become like an Internet church."

He says a great revival is underway within the Islamic Republic of Iran.

"Right now you can see the results of the Holy Spirit," he said. "From 1994, there were about 100,000 believers. Right now, there are 3 million. You can see what the Holy Spirit is doing with the people."

Dreams and Visions of Christ

Many came to faith through a dream or a vision.

"I had a dream. I had a dream long time back and every time that Jesus was with me," he continued. "And in all of my life, He was helping me and I didn't know who was this Person. Suddenly Jesus Christ was over there and He said, 'Come to Me.' And I came to that side and He accepted me."

Despite all the hardship and being forced from their homeland, these believers exude joy. Many hope to achieve refugee status one day and immigrate to other countries.

In the meantime, they want believers in the West to pray for the Church in Iran.

"And I'm just begging, really, from the other believers, from other sisters and brothers from all over the world, to pray for Iran and to all the people of Iran to find new God and be familiar with God, with Jesus Christ," he said.