Behind the facades of the chador and of Islam
Iran – an “Islamic theocracy” and yet, on the Christian front, an atmosphere of change prevails. Every month, thousands of Muslims are turning to the Christian faith – while our media only report about the crowds of demonstrators.
Behind the facades of the chador and Islam, another, barely known reality is hidden.
Doors opened by earthquake
The Islamic Republic was founded in 1979. Before that time, Iran had kept up close relations with the West. On the basis of the assumption that this Western influence would encourage corruption in the government, the Iranians desired an Islamic government.
- Increasing religious pressure
The revolution was soon followed by increasing religious pressure, rigorous laws, such as compulsory veiling for women, a ban on Western music and alcohol, the introduction of Sharia law and systematic, religiously motivated state terrorism.
The revolution of 1979 was also aimed against the Christians in the country. Many of them were arrested and at least eight church leaders of the officially recognized Christian church were killed. Churches and Christian fellowships were largely cut off from foreign aid.
- Earthquake opens doors
The earthquake of December 26, 2003, became a door-opener. Within 12 seconds, more than 40 000 people died. The need was great and the government so overburdened that they allowed Western aid organizations – including AVC – to enter the country in order to help victims of the earthquake.
Support of comprehensive projects
Satellite television and internet
AVC supports two Christian partner organizations which were founded by exiled Iranians and exercise great influence in Iran. It is estimated that the websites and television programmes sent out by satellite reach 90% of the Iranian population.
One of these partner organizations alone receives around 3600 enquires by telephone or e-mail every month from Iran, triggered by the television broadcasts and the internet. The range of services is very broad. It extends from Sunday school programmes for children to broadcasts for the countless abused wives and other women who are treated like prostitutes.
Bibles for Iran
There is a huge vacuum in Iran – they do not have enough Bibles. One of the challenges is to supply the country’s need in this respect. The demand in Tehran alone is more than 5000 Bibles a month. The production and transportation of New Testaments are impeded, which pushes the costs up.
The young underground churches need your prayers and financial support in order to grow.