We were privileged this week to have a visit from Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the president of Iran Alive Ministries. Dr. Hormoz shares with millions of Iranians around the world each week via satellite television, and receives calls back from hundreds of viewers. Some report amazing miracles and the fact that they are now following Jesus. Some call to argue or to threaten. Here are some highlights from his visit to VOM as he talked about the growth of the church in Iran.

Your word, O LORD, is eternal; it stands firm in the heavens. Psalm 119:89

191,267 Believers Have Asked for a Bible.

Most people are non-confrontational; they don’t like to confront people or be confronted if what needs to be said makes them feel uncomfortable. The great devotional writer, Oswald Chambers, says that the church confronts the world with a message the world craves because it is deliverance, but it is deliverance through the cross of Christ (The Best of Oswald Chambers, Vol. I, 48). They may crave it, but they may resist it and those who deliver the message. This makes it hard for those who are non-confrontational by nature.

VOM's May newsletter, arriving in mailboxes over the next few days, includes a story from the front lines of ministry in Iran, the story of "Farahnaz" and her husband sharing the gospel and distributing Bibles in spite of the great risks to do so. The newsletter story shares some of the miraculous ways that God has protected and empowered their ministry.

Last week VOM's Todd Nettleton was the featured guest with Kenneth Mitchell on Missions Radio. You can listen to the interview by clicking play in the player below.

For dogs have surrounded Me; The congregation of the wicked has enclosed Me. They pierced My hands and My feet;

Recently a VOM team visited with persecuted Christians in Nigeria, where they met with and ministered to persecuted Christians, including children and widows. Included in the team was a group of women specially trained to minister to and encourage widows.

Pastor Behnam Irani has endured a number of trials and suffered during his imprisonment at Ghezel Hesar Prison located in Iran. After nearly two years of suffering from an intestinal disorder and being very ill, Pastor Behnam was finally taken for surgery on Feb. 22 and he is reported to be doing well as he continues to recuperate in his prison cell — where he was taken about four days after the operation. And as he has been in recovery, secret police seized his only Bible as well as other Christian books.

Leah’s Daughter