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The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God

S2 E23. Iran's Christian Revival: David Yeghnazar & guests

The Surprising Rebirth Of Belief In God

Justin Brierley

Christianity, Religion & Spirituality

4.8592 Ratings

🗓️ 30 September 2025

⏱️ 105 minutes

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

In 1979 there were around 500 Christian converts in Iran. Today they number over 1 million. Despite intense persecution, Iran has the fastest growing church in the world. So why is Iran experiencing such a rebirth?Justin speaks to David Yeghnazar of ELAM, a ministry that supports the church in Iran, about why so many Muslims are turning to Christ. Farshid and Magda also share their stories of imprisonment and oppression, while holding on to an unshakeable hope. 'Responding To The Rebirth' Conference: http://rebirthconference.net/ More info, book & newsletter: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/ Support via Patreon for early access to new episodes and bonus content: https://www.patreon.com/justinbrierley/membership Support via Tax-deductible (USA) and get the same perks: https://defendersmedia.com/portfolio/justin-brierley/ Give a one-off gift via PayPal: https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/brierleyjustin Buy the book or get a signed copy: https://justinbrierley.com/the-surprising-rebirth-of-belief-in-god/ Got feedback? Share it with us by emailing: feedback@think.faith Ep 23 show notes: https://justinbrierley.com/surprisingrebirth/season-2-episode-23-iran Also, check out our show ‘Uncommon Ground’ for discussion and debates: ⁠https://justinbrierley.com/uncommon-ground-podcast/⁠ The Surprising Rebirth of Belief in God is a production of Think Faith in partnership with Genexis, and support from The Jerusalem Trust. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0

Well, we were not prepared for this. The venue is full. However, the mission is bigger than the room. You can still join us. Due to the incredible uptake, our responding to the Rebirth Conference will now be live streamed. Book your online pass now at rebirthconference.net. You may not be in the room, but you can still be part of the

0:22.5

response from anywhere in the world on Saturday the 22nd of November. On the live stream,

0:28.5

you'll get full access to all keynote sessions, panels and interviews with guests, including

0:33.6

John Lennox, Paul Kingsnorth, Elizabeth Oldfield and Al Gordon.

0:39.3

You can take part in the Q&A.

0:42.1

You'll get to take home recordings of all of the sessions and get a front row seat to what God is doing.

0:45.7

A rebirth is happening.

0:47.6

Let's respond together wherever we are.

0:49.8

Book your live stream pass at rebirthconference.net.

0:55.0

By 1979, only about 500 people from a Muslim background came to Christ. And then the hardline regime came and they, all the missionaries were kicked out.

1:17.6

But somehow in the midst of all that, it's gone the opposite way.

1:21.6

Most estimates would say that there's about a million people in Iran,

1:25.6

possibly more that have come to Christ.

1:30.7

In these days, when I came out from prison, people, they look at me and they said,

1:34.7

Farci, you were faithful to the Lord, you stood for the Lord.

1:39.1

I just look at them and say, thank you, but this is not the reality.

1:43.4

The reality is he was faithful to me

1:45.9

he stood for me so many testimonies you know stories of forgiveness and restoration then there's stories

1:55.8

of healing jesus is presenting himself a life to people in the room.

2:07.5

And I was thinking, God, yeah, how God knew me, I was full of motherly love.

2:11.0

And again, I could start to worship him.

2:12.7

I could start to pray.

...

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