Release International to Train Church Leaders & Evangelists amid Iran Persecutions

Release International (RI) has launched an appeal to train leaders and strengthen the underground church in Iran where persecution against Christians continues. RI will work closely in partnership with evangelical leaders and train groups of evangelical leaders.

|TOP|Hasan Mohammadi, a Shi'ite cleric and member of the Ministry of Education, said: "On average, every day, 50 Iranian girls and boys convert secretly to Christian denominations in our country," reported Inter Press Service (IPS).

“A window of opportunity is now open. An emerging generation of young people have deep spiritual needs and are asking questions,” said a leader in the Iranian church who cannot be named, according to RI.

“The answers can only be found in Jesus Christ. We must seize the moment and invest in equipping our leaders to reach out with the love of God.”

A mentoring and development programme is also being carried out by RI for: emerging leaders, women-to-women evangelists, and youth leaders. The three separate groups are vital to the future growth of the church in Iran.

Iran is listed as the world’s fifth worst nation for religious persecution. The Bible has been banned by authorities, and churches that accept Muslim converts have been shut down. Proselytising is illegal in the country and converts from Islam are called to be sentenced to death for apostasy by its Shari’ a law. Christians are also reportedly intimidated, harassed and imprisoned and evangelicals are closely watched by the government. |QUOTE|

“One of the most strategic things we can do at this time is to help develop new skills and abilities among Christians working with Iran’s young population,” says a spokesman for Release International.

“This is a very real opportunity for us to make a significant investment in strengthening tomorrow’s Iranian church, today. We ask you pray for the people of Iran and their leaders and to respond as generously as you can.”