Photo: Shutterstock / PedramRostamian_shr
On February 28th, the United States and Israel launched a major military operation against Iran. The strike resulted in hundreds of casualties, including the country's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, along with dozens of other government officials.
In response to this campaign, Iran and its allies have carried out counter attacks on Israel and countries in the Middle East that are perceived to be supporting the Israeli-American military efforts. Public protests have also begun in some Muslim-majority nations. As of March 2nd, at least 20 people have died in Pakistan as a result of pro-Iranian demonstrations; 10 of those fatalities occurred during a protest at the American consulate in Karachi.
Amid the crisis, many Christian leaders are hoping for major changes to take place within Iran, as well as opportunities to minister to the hurting people of this nation in peril. Under its oppressive government, believers in Christ have suffered intense persecution, even to the point of torture and imprisonment. In recent weeks, renewed calls for reform have resulted in widespread unrest within Iran and demonstrations around the world condemning the present regime. With the sudden loss of much of Iran's governing leadership, many citizens are now longing for a hopeful future. Dr. Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries declared, "History is in the making in Iran today."
The situation across the Middle East remains volatile, placing innocent civilians in serious danger – including Christian minorities who are particularly vulnerable. VOMC's CEO, Floyd Brobbel, issued the following statement: "The crisis in Iran will ignite widespread outrage and provoke retaliatory violence against Christians in Iran and neighbouring countries. We must remember our brothers and sisters who are helplessly caught in the midst of this conflict." For further reports addressing the persecution of Iranian believers, along with specific ways you can pray, visit our country profile.
- As you pray for God's intervention and ministry to take place in the lives of people throughout Iran, please be mindful to uphold our Christian brothers and sisters who are presently at risk of retaliatory attacks.
- May the Lord also bring greatly needed comfort to those in Iran and its surrounding countries who have lost loved ones or suffered trauma during the conflict.
- As this Persian nation now faces the possibility of major political change, pray that wise and just leadership will be raised up, and that decisions made during this season would promote religious freedom and human dignity.
- Amid the turmoil, prayerfully ask God to reveal His unchanging character to people throughout the region – leading many more to an understanding of His eternal love, spiritual truth and redemptive grace.
