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 Press Release: June 9, 2006

Thankful Iranian Christians Sense Spiritual Change and Urge More Prayer

Thousands of Christians have responded to a plea from the Iranian Church to join them in praying for Iran and now believers in every continent and in dozens of countries have joined a 40-day prayer and fasting campaign for Iran.

Iranian Christians are very thankful for the response and church leaders have posted a joint statement which says: ‘We cannot express how deeply encouraged and thankful Iranian Christians are that so many are standing with us in prayer. We believe the Lord will hear the cries of His people, so we urge everyone to carry on praying and spreading the word about this prayer effort. Let’s see millions pray for Iran and let us witness together how God can transform a nation.’

The need to intercede for Iran at this critical time has struck a chord with many Christians across the world and the campaign has snowballed far beyond initial expectations. Thanks to volunteers across the world, the ‘Pray for Iran’ website  is now in nine languages and it is estimated that several hundred thousand believers will pray for Iran as a result of the campaign.

A noteworthy development regarding Iran over the last several days has been the apparent recent softening in the nuclear stand off.  Interestingly, the topic for prayer on May 30 was the nuclear issue, and on May 31 the United States opened the door for possible direct diplomatic talks with Iran for the first time in over 25 years and Iran has responded fairly positively to a new proposal to re-open negotiations. Whether or not this is a direct answer to prayer or not, time will tell.  However, it does provide added motivation to continue asking the Lord to intervene.

The Iranian church believes the nation could be on the edge of a radical spiritual transformation and with three weeks of the campaign left, there is still plenty of time for many more to join the prayer effort.

The prayer campaign is focused on three main areas: for the persecuted Church in Iran; for revival in Iran; and for God to intervene in the political situation. Daily prayer requests are posted on the 'Pray for Iran’ website, and individuals can choose to subscribe and receive the prayer requests each day by email.  Each day there is a very popular slide show with images from Iran accompanied by Persian worship music to help people pray for Iran. 

A heartfelt plea from over 120 Iranian church leaders was issued in May to the global church to pray for Iran.  A special website was set up in just ten days, and the prayer effort was launched on May 25 2006, Ascension Day. 

Please pass this message on to you friends and church contacts so that more people will pray.  If you can, please put a link to www.prayerforiran.com on your church or ministry website.

Press release 18th May 2006

40 days of prayer and fasting for Iran Starting May 25th 2006

The ‘Pray for Iran’ Campaign is Gathering Pace

In response to the current crisis surrounding Iran, over 120 Iranian church leaders have pledged to 40 days of prayer and fasting for the salvation of Iran.  This campaign will begin on Ascension Day, May 25, 2006 - the day the Lord Jesus asked His disciples to wait for God’s visitation.  Participants will fast for different lengths of time and at different periods during the 40 days.

Iranian Christians have issued a call to the global Church to join in praying for the strategic country of Iran. Together they are working to see that millions of Christians around the world will join this campaign.  Many church leaders and prayer groups around the world have already begun to put their weight behind this campaign.    

Why Pray and Fast for Iran?

Because critical times demand dramatic action.

Iran has long played a leading role in the Islamic world. These days it is at the centre of a global crisis that could easily lead to war, deep political turmoil and economic chaos.  We need to fall on our knees and pray that God, in His mercy, will intervene.

Also, the small but rapidly growing Iranian church is on the brink of unprecedented growth.  Despite the prospect of persecution, men and women, young and old are putting their faith in Jesus Christ – many as a result of dreams and visions.  We need to thank God for the open hearts and we want to cry out for a great revival.  A strong church in Iran will impact the entire region.

What Are We Praying For?

For the persecuted Church in Iran – The Church has experienced severe persecution and restrictions since the 1979 revolution.  In the last year, this intimidation of Christians has intensified.  We will pray for protection, wisdom and boldness for our brothers and sisters in Iran.

For Revival in Iran – Most of Iran’s 70 million people have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel.  We want to pray that every Iranian will hear and understand the Gospel and that millions will repent and be saved.

For God to intervene in the political situation – We will pray that God will give Iran righteous and humble leaders who will act justly and love mercy.   

How This Campaign Will Work

This prayer campaign has not been a long time in planning.  It was first discussed on April 21, 2006.  Because it is important, the idea has gathered pace. Because it is urgent, we cannot wait. 

As a result of the time constraints, this will be a simple site – but it will provide you with all the information and prayer requests you need to be able to intercede.

From May 25 there will be daily prayer requests posted on this website.  There will be three main requests each day covering (a) the church in Iran; (b) the people of Iran; (c) the political situation. You can choose to receive these prayer requests each day via email by subscribing.  Your name and address will not be given out to anyone.

On the website every day will be a 5-minute slide show with images from Iran accompanied by some Persian worship music.  This is there to help you pray for five minutes or more every day. 

And Finally

How we pray is important.  We encourage you to pray with faith and love for the people of Iran, not with fear and prejudice. Let the Lord show you how much he loves and cares for the people of Iran, just as he loved and cared for the people of Nineveh as in the story of Jonah.

Secondly, please focus your prayers on the people of Iran – that they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Don’t concentrate only on the political situation.  

Thirdly, please let as many others know about this campaign as you can.  Send the link www.prayerforiran.com to as many people as you know.

Thank you so much for being a part of this campaign.

To God be the Glory.