Gospel Reaching People in Iran via Mass-media

Iran is a country which has a population that is 99% Muslim, specifically Shiite Muslims, with the remaining 1% consisting of Bahai, Jews and Christian faiths. Most of the Christian in the country are Armenians and Assyrians.

The country is full of unrest among its people and it has proved extremely difficult and dangerous to reach out to the Christian believers and make Christ known among the rest of population. The government is not supportive for church planting, and as a result many violations against religious freedom and human rights have been reported. Officials in the country believe that unrest in the neighbouring Iraq may also have encouraged actions from local Muslim extremists.

The religious minorities are facing many persecutions, and it has been reported that all activities of religious minorities are being monitored by the Ministry of Islamic Guidance. Non-Muslims are not allowed to proselytise and those who convert to Christianity may face the death penalty for apostasy.

Most Christian churches are allowed just to hold services in Armenian or Assyrian and pastors of the churches are pressed to sign documents stating they will not proselytise Muslims or allow them to attend the church and services.

As the result, many of the churches went "underground"; however, they have faced huge persecution and punishment from the government.

Using mass media in the spreading of the gospel seems to be an opportunity used by many Christian evangelists and ministries in the country. Through the radio and TV the good news is able to reach those who are in situations making it difficult for them to be reached.

Evangelist Sammy Tippit explains that the country's young population of under 35's are marked at 67 million. Many of these young people are disenchanted by the violence and this is has proved to make them more responsive to something else.

Recently, Ministries of Joyce Meyer also announced cooperation with the International Antioch Ministries (IAM). Broadcasting of Enjoying Everyday Life television programs to Iran will be provided in Farsi (Iranian language).

Pastor Hormoz Shariat, PhD, founder and president of IAM said: "These programs are being very well received by Iranian viewers. Many viewers have told us that they appreciate Joyce Meyer's down-to-earth and practical teachings, as well as her sense of humour."

Millions of Iranian Muslims and thousands of new converts can receive the strength and encouragement in their faith often desperately needed in their situations, where so many oppressions are being facing.

Donald Fareed, founder of Persian Ministries International describes the situation in Iran: "As soon as people convert, [the authorities] catch them and put them in jail. So we need democracy there. We need freedom."

Still, Fareed acknowledges that spiritual change must take precedence over social or political change. "Freedom without Christ is going to bring corruption, of course," he says. "So the first thing is the gospel and the second thing is democracy."

On Friday 17th June the presidential election in Iran will take place. However, the election is not considered free and democratic since many candidates were disqualified and the voices of many, especially among students, have called for a boycott of the elections.