After the Massacres: How Iran’s Church is Pushing Back the Darkness

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 a textSupport 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 a textSupport the show

In this episode, Joe has an astonishing conversation with Behrang, who explains how he went from a devout Muslim in Iran to a powerful minister of the Gospel because of an incredible face-to-face encounter with Jesus Christ.So much of his story is about the impact of prayer on his life, and we truly believe that your prayers have impact too. Find more ways to pray for Iranians by visiting elam.com/praySend a textSupport the show

Thank you for joining us for this bonus episode of Jesus Speaks Farsi. In this episode we’re sharing a very special message that our friend Sara shared at Lifted, a global online youth event. Join us to hear Sara share her testimony, experience of prison and persecution, and the truth that the Lord spoke to her in her darkest moments. We know you’ll find it encouraging.This excerpt comes from Lifted our first ever global online youth event on November 15th, but it’s not too late for you to watch. Register and watch the replay for free by visiting elam.com/lifted.Hear more from Sara by checking out these two episodes of the podcast.Everybody Gets to Play: Samuel and Sara Neilsen - https://www.elam.com/podcastA Follow Up Conversation with Sara - Life After Prison E2  -https://www.elam.com/podcastSend a textSupport the show

In this episode, we’re celebrating 35 years of ministry at Elam. By God’s grace we have seen the church in the Iran region grow and flourish, despite government opposition and persecution. Although Iranian Christians suffer for their faith, they are passionate in sharing the Word and love of Jesus Christ with those around them.We at Elam are filled with gratitude for the role God has given us to play in His story for Iran, and we are joyful that we get to partner in that story with you.To our faithful prayer partners and supporters, thank you for all that you have done to uplift the church in Iran and beyond. God bless!Send a textSupport the show

In this episode, we’re wrapping up the most recent season of the podcast. Chrissy and Joe get together to chat about conversations with David and Keyvan about the “Send Hope Back Home” initiative. Breaking down the three simple steps of the program, they reflect on the importance of evangelism, the joy of discipleship, and the hope of fellowship.For more information about “Send Hope Back Home” and how you can be part of supporting Iranians in your as they minister to friends and family inside Iran, visit elam.com/send-hope. Send a Bible and access Weekly Fellowship for free through the Kalameh app or visit https://www.kalameh.com/en Find out more about the Safar discipleship journey at www.safar.orgSend a textSupport the show

In the fourth episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step three of Send Hope Back Home: helping believers gather for fellowship. Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they share about the power of in-person fellowship. Despite the risks, Iranians long to gather together to worship, fellowship, and be discipled. Using Elam’s “Weekly Fellowship” resource, any believer can facilitate a small fellowship group and experience Christian life communally.Discover how “Send Hope Back Home” could mobilize thousands more in the diaspora, and how you can be part of this vital mission at https://www.elam.com/send-hope. Send a Bible by accessing the Kalameh app https://www.kalameh.com/enFind out more about the Safar discipleship journey at www.safar.orgThe Weekly Fellowship resource is available for free on the Kalameh app and kalameh.comSend a textSupport the show

In the third episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step two of Send Hope Back Home: discipling new believers.Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they share the heart and mission behind the ‘Safar’ discipleship journey and how intentional healthy discipleship can transform not only individuals and their faith journeys, but entire regions.Discover how this movement could mobilize thousands more in the diaspora, and how you can be part of this vital mission at https://www.elam.com/send-hope.Find out more and start your own discipleship journey at https://www.safar.org/ Send a bible by accessing the Kalameh app https://www.kalameh.com/enSend a textSupport the show

In the second episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step one of Send Hope Back Home: sharing the Gospel. Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they discuss why Iranians are so desperate for the Bible despite the danger, and how the Word of God is transforming the nation. Discover how this movement could mobilize thousands more in the diaspora, and how you can be part of this vital mission at https://www.elam.com/send-hope. Send a Bible by accessing the Kalameh app https://www.kalameh.com/enSend a textSupport the show

In this first episode of Send Hope Back Home, Chrissy sits down with Elam’s Executive Director, David Yeghnazar, and Head of Training, Keyvan Separ, to reveal the vision behind this powerful initiative. You’ll hear why this is a crucial moment for Iranians around the world to share the hope of Jesus with family and friends back home. David and Keyvan share moving testimonies — including Keyvan’s own transformation story — that show how ordinary believers are sparking change across Iran. Discover how this movement could mobilize thousands more in the diaspora, and how you can be part of this vital mission at https://www.elam.com/send-hope.Download the Kalameh app or visit www.kalameh.com/en to arrange a secure delivery of the Bible to a loved one in Iran. (Click the chat icon in the corner to start a conversation with our team.)Discover Safar https://www.safar.org/Send a textSupport the show