Persecution is Not the End of the Story
Farshid Fathi and Sara Akhavan share powerful testimonies of the remarkable growth and perseverance of the church in Iran despite intense persecution. Fathi recounts the explosive expansion of the Iranian church, which grew from just 500 Muslim-background Christians in 1979 to over one million today. Despite martyrdom and governmental opposition, evangelism has become a way of life for Iranian believers, with the underground church regularly leading others to Christ. Fathi reminds listeners that persecution is not the end of the story, but part of it, and highlights miraculous moments of God’s power in the darkest times.
Akhavan shares her experiences as a church planter in Esfahan and seven surrounding towns, recounting her arrest and time in solitary confinement. Even in the face of imprisonment, she found strength in God’s promises, praising Him through song and continuing her mission after her release. Both speakers emphasize that despite opposition, ‘the Word of God continues to spread,’ calling on the global church to remain steadfast in prayer and support for persecuted believers, knowing that God’s victory is assured.
Talk Outline
00:00 Pastor Farshid Fathi: Introduction and Personal Testimony
01:35 The Growth of the Church in Iran
02:40 Arrest and Imprisonment
03:43 Persecution and Resilience
05:14 A New Beginning and Continued Faith
07:04 Sarah Akhavan’s Story
13:15 A Call to Prayer and Support
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This recording is from the Fourth Lausanne Congress, held in Incheon, South Korea in September 2024. This gathering brought together global church leaders to collaborate on mission strategies for advancing the gospel. Through plenary sessions, table group discussions, and collaborative workshops, the Congress focused on addressing critical gaps in global mission today.
