[Today’s Prayer] “Iran: War becoming an opportunity for evangelism… Thousands of Bibles delivered this year”

Although the civil war in Iran is causing severe chaos, there is analysis that it is also opening new opportunities for underground church ministry.

Todd Nettleton, Vice President of Voice of the Martyrs USA (VOM USA), an organization that supports persecuted Christians worldwide, said in an interview with The Christian Post that “the Lord works in mysterious ways.”

He explained, “As the Iranian government and authorities are currently focused on responding to the war, surveillance of house churches has relatively loosened, and they are paying less attention than before to blocking the import and distribution of Bibles.”

VOM USA continues its ministry by working with local church networks to train leaders who will serve in regions hostile to Christianity and to distribute Bibles to persecuted believers.

Nettleton reported that despite worsening access to the field due to the conflict, thousands of Bibles have been delivered to Iran since the beginning of this year. He also shared that one underground faith community they are in contact with left the city to avoid attacks but decided not to disperse and instead remain together as a community.

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He emphasized, “For security reasons, we cannot disclose specific locations,” adding, “According to reports from field workers, Iranian believers are using the current chaos for good and eternal purposes.”

He continued, “The war is actually becoming an opportunity to spread the gospel. At a time when people are thinking about death and eternity, many are asking, ‘What happens after we die?’ In this situation, believers are speaking more actively about Jesus Christ.”

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Iran ranked 10th on Open Doors’ “2026 World Watch List” of countries where Christians face persecution. Christians in Iran face house church raids, long-term detention, interrogation, and pressure from family and communities. Those who convert from Islam to Christianity are at the greatest risk.

Nevertheless, an unexpected atmosphere is being sensed locally. Nettleton said, “According to reports from the Middle East ministry team, there is a consistently optimistic mood among believers.”

He also stated, “Not a single believer has requested to flee abroad so far. Rather, many are saying, ‘This is a spiritual turning point for Iran, and we want to witness that change ourselves.’” He added, “There is clearly anticipation for Iran’s future and spiritual transformation after this situation.”

He further added, “As the war is disrupting food and fuel supplies, prayer for protection and provision is urgently needed. At the same time, they are asking for prayer for opportunities to share the gospel. Please pray that believers in Iran can live as witnesses of Jesus Christ even in the midst of war.”

Source: Christian Today

“For you have need of endurance, so that after you have done the will of God you may receive what is promised. For yet a little while, and He who is coming will come and will not delay.” (Hebrews 10:36–37)

God our Father, as the war in Iran continues, we hear that thousands of Bibles are being delivered to the underground church and that the ministry is expanding.

We praise You, Lord, who accomplish the work of the gospel through Your amazing providence even in suffering. At a time when the hearts of the Iranian people are most desperate, thank You for allowing the Scriptures to be widely shared and for enabling the testimony of Jesus Christ, their true Savior.

Lord, please protect and preserve the local church that is enduring the fight of faith amid confusion. Use the Iranian church so that the living water of Jesus may flow into the hearts and lives of Iranian souls, and that we may see even more of this work of life.

Pour out faith so that the churches in Iran may live as witnesses of Jesus Christ even in the midst of war, and open every closed door so that the gospel may be proclaimed widely.

We desire that the global church would take part together in this time of Iran’s spiritual turning point. Since You have said that You will come without delay, help us to receive by faith the promised salvation of the Iranian people and to take part in the time of harvest.

Church in Iran, prepare the way for the coming of Jesus with all your heart and strength! Overcome suffering and take hold of revival!