Hidden Stories of Courage, Resilience, and Growth - Iran’s Church Amid War E1

Welcome back to Hidden Gems, a series where we are revisiting some of our favorite conversations from our library. In this episode, we're looking back at a conversation Joe had with Bahar, a member of Elam's Training Team, who spent her teenage years and young adulthood in Iran, struggling against the control that society sought to exert on her and all women. And how, by encountering Jesus, she realized there is a God who values and empowers women to live bold lives. Just before we meet Bahar, Chrissy chats with Grace, a member of the podcast team, about what this episode means to her, and why it has renewed significance in light of all that has happened for Iranians this year.In this critical moment, your prayers matter more than ever. Download the Iran 30 Prayer App to pray for Iran with daily updates, real testimonies, and guided prayer points. Download here: elam.com/iran-30-appSend us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

Welcome back to Hidden Gems, where we’re revisiting some of our favorite conversations from the archive.In this episode, we look back at a conversation Joe had with Kambiz, hearing his remarkable story of encountering Jesus as a young soldier in the Iranian army and eventually becoming a prolific church planter.Kambiz shares his first-hand experience of what it looks like to plant house churches in Iran and beyond, and how God has been at work through the Iranian church.Before we revisit this powerful conversation, Hannah, a member of the podcast team, joins us to share what makes this episode particularly special — and why its message feels especially relevant in this season.Send us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

Welcome back to Hidden Gems, where we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from our library.In this episode, we're looking back at a conversation Joe had with Elam team member Asrin about the profound transformation her life underwent after encountering Jesus in a vivid and extraordinary dream.Just before we meet Asrin, we'll hear from host Joe about why he has chosen this episode to share and what its relevance is for today.In this critical moment, your prayers matter more than ever. Download the Iran 30 Prayer App to pray for Iran with daily updates, real testimonies, and guided prayer points. Send us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

Welcome back to Hidden Gems, where we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from our library.In this episode, we're looking back at a conversation Joe had with Behrang, a member of Elam's Training Team, about his testimony and the miraculous way that he encountered Jesus.Just before we meet Behrang, we'll hear from Harry Fenner Crawley, who heads up Elam's partner relations in the UK. Harry explains why he has chosen this episode to share and what its relevance is for today.In this critical moment, your prayers matter more than ever. Download the Iran 30 Prayer App to pray for Iran with daily updates, real testimonies, and guided prayer points. Send us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

Welcome to our new Hidden Gems season of Jesus Speaks Farsi, where we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from our library.In this episode, we're looking back at a conversation Chrissy and Hannah had with Tom Hawksley, a member of Elam's Teaching Team, about the history of Iran's church and why, after centuries of hardship, it is growing faster today than ever before.Just before we meet Tom, you'll hear Joe and Chrissy on why they think this episode is a hidden gem worth revisiting in these days.In this critical moment, your prayers matter more than ever. Download the Iran 30 Prayer App to pray for Iran with daily updates, real testimonies, and guided prayer points. Download here: elam.com/iran-30-appSend us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

In this episode, Chrissy speaks with Keyvan Separ, Elam’s Training Director, about the character of the Iranian church, and how believers have embodied the love of Christ throughout the trials and suffering of this year.In this time of conflict, your prayers are needed more than ever. Download the Iran 30 prayer app today through your App Store or visit elam.com/pray-for-iran-appSend us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

In this episode, Joe speaks with Niloofar, a member of the Worship team, about how Iranians are learning and experiencing worship in new ways during these days of war and suffering.In this time of war, your prayers are needed more than ever. Download the Iran 30 prayer app today through your App Store or visit elam.com/pray-for-iran-appWatch the live-streamed worship events Niloofar mentioned: Netherlands: https://www.youtube.com/live/uvdod191kzAVancouver: https://youtu.be/kRXU6WcRpwM?si=bLY7Y023mDFj5EY9  Send us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

In this episode, Chrissy speaks with David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries, about the war in Iran and powerful testimonies from the Church living through darkness today. In this critical moment, your prayers matter more than ever. Download the Iran 30 Prayer App to pray for Iran with daily updates, real testimonies, and guided prayer points. Download here:https://elam.com/pray-for-iran-appSend us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

In January 2026, Iran faced one of the most violent episodes in its recent history. Thousands were killed, and the nation was left grieving, after the government cracked down with unspeakable brutality on a widespread protest movement.Yet in the midst of suffering, the underground church has responded with prayer, compassion, and hope.Joe Connor speaks with Asrin Yousefi about how believers are caring for the hurting, sharing the Gospel, and even starting new fellowships in cities marked by loss.Listen as we reflect on Christ’s light shining in dark days—and please visit elam.com/pray-for-iran to discover how you can pray for the Church in Iran.Send us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show

As unrest spreads across Iran, many voices fill the news — but as believers, our response is rooted in faith and prayer.In this message, we reflect on how Christians are called to respond in times of uncertainty: trusting in God’s sovereignty, standing firm in prayer, and interceding for peace, wisdom, and salvation.We believe that prayer makes a difference, and we invite you to stand with us as we pray for the people of Iran during this critical moment.For guidance on how to pray for Iran at this time, visit: elam.com/pray-for-iranTo receive regular prayer updates and stand with us in intercession, subscribe here: elam.com/subscribeSend us Fan MailDownload the Iran 30 app and pray for Iran with clarity, compassion, and hope. elam.com/iran-30-appSupport the show