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“Iranian Christian refugees feel they are living in exile,” says Reza Jafari, Presenter of the SAT-7 PARS live program Signal. Reza shares how the challenges Iranian Christians face do not end when they leave Iran, and how SAT-7 PARS is a lifeline to them.
When I am asked what problems Iranian Christian refugees face, I often think it would be quicker to list the problems they do not face.
Through several SAT-7 PARS viewers who are refugees and with whom we have developed a strong relationship – mainly Iranian refugees in Turkey – I have come to understand their lives in more depth. I am stunned by the challenges they face, which certainly do not end when they leave Iran.
Iranian Christians in Turkey read the Bible
These believers live their lives in exile – not because of a crime; not because of conflict; but because of severe persecution in response to their faith and the path they chose. They could not be who they are; they could not worship who they wanted, in their own country. Forced to leave everything and everyone behind, they faced an uncertain future filled with numerous problems that put great strain on their faith and well-being.
As refugees, they arrive in a country where they often cannot speak the language, cannot work legally, are exploited for low pay if they can get a job, and are often looked down upon by society because of the burden of the refugee crisis on the host country. Most of them, if not all, have severe financial problems. Additionally, even if they safely arrive in a host country, until they are given refugee status, they can still face deportation to Iran and face serious problems with the secret police.
Our Audience Relations (AR) team recently spoke to Shida*, a lady who was forced to leave Iran several years ago with her daughter to escape persecution. They have been in limbo in Turkey ever since, with no resolution to their situation and status. She shared that she is alone, suffering from depression, anxiety, and stress, and that she has become sick.
Many Iranian refugees like Shida have very difficult lives and need counseling and comfort, or simply someone to whom they can talk and express their struggles, which is why the AR teams play a vital role in our goal to share God’s love and hope with our viewers. And God really does work miracles in these people’s lives.
When our AR teams began speaking to Shida about the Word of God to encourage her, she became very quiet. It was like she was absorbing the words like parched ground swallows up water. His Word had such a powerful impact on her that she began to cry and was filled with joy and peace. She gave thanks that God had not abandoned her, and that her faith was once again restored and built up.
Bardia* is also a refugee and now lives in Germany. He contacted us with this encouraging message: “I would like you to know that when I was living in oppression and under persecution, when I had to hide my faith — which was depressing — and with no church, your network was my only source of support and blessing. I live in Germany now, but I continue to love your channel wholeheartedly. I still enjoy watching your programs, as they are still blessing me.”
I believe that many, maybe even most, Iranian refugees would gladly return to Iran if they had the freedom to practice their faith. This is because Iran is still on their hearts, and they continue to pray fervently for their country – even the children.
Siavash* is a young boy who now lives in Turkey and watches SAT-7 PARS’ children’s program Golpand. On one episode he shared this prayer: “Lord, I pray for the children in Iran watching this program; be with them and bless them. I pray that You will be with us and never leave us. I pray for the children in Iran, and I believe in You; that You will protect them and be with them wherever they happen to be.”
You can pray for Christian refugees from Iran and across the rest of the Middle East and North Africa, that God will guide them, strengthen them, give them courage, and sustain them. May they continue to be strengthened in their faith and be a witness to those around them of God’s faithfulness. Pray also that they will find refuge; refuge in Christ, and refuge in their host country, that they will be received with open arms and kindness.
If you feel led to support SAT-7 viewers who are refugees, would you consider a monthly or one-time gift? We are thankful for your support to broadcast programming that shares the eternal HOPE found in Jesus Christ.
*Names changed to protect identities
In 2023, at least 82% of your gift went directly to fund programs building up women, children, and families across the Middle East. Functional expenses (all entities).
