Jesus Speaks Farsi
This podcast explores the remarkable growth of the evangelical church in Iran, one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world. It features personal stories from Iranian men and women who share how their faith is spreading despite challenges. The show highlights the simple yet powerful belief that Jesus is alive and how that conviction fuels church growth. Listeners hear authentic testimonies of transformation and perseverance within Iran's underground Christian community.
Episodes
Prayer as a Battle Cry with Francis Chan & Sara Akhavan - On Prayer: Voices from Iran and Beyond E1
Welcome to our new series of Jesus Speaks Farsi, On Prayer: Voices from Iran and Beyond.Prayer has always been foundational to Elam’s ministry and central to the life of the Iranian Church. In this series, we’re bringing together a voice from the Iranian Church and a voice from the wider Church to explore what we can learn from each other about prayer.In this episode, Chrissy speaks with pastor an
What happens when we pray for persecuted Christians? IDOP Bonus
Welcome back to Jesus Speaks Farsi.In this bonus episode, we look ahead to the International Day of Prayer for the Persecuted Church on November 1st through a conversation with an Iranian church planter who has paid a heavy price for his faith in Christ.Farshid spent five years in prison, and in this conversation he shares how he experienced the power of our prayers while in prison for his faith,
Learning to Fly - Hidden Gems E5
Welcome back to Hidden Gems, a series where we are revisiting some of our favorite conversations from our library. In this episode, we're looking back at a conversation Joe had with Bahar, a member of Elam's Training Team, who spent her teenage years and young adulthood in Iran, struggling against the control that society sought to exert on her and all women. And how, by encountering Jes
Kambiz: From Iranian soldier to church planter - Hidden Gems E4
Welcome back to Hidden Gems, where we’re revisiting some of our favorite conversations from the archive.In this episode, we look back at a conversation Joe had with Kambiz, hearing his remarkable story of encountering Jesus as a young soldier in the Iranian army and eventually becoming a prolific church planter.Kambiz shares his first-hand experience of what it looks like to plant house churches i
Face to Face with Jesus - Hidden Gems E3
Welcome back to Hidden Gems, where we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from our library.In this episode, we're looking back at a conversation Joe had with Elam team member Asrin about the profound transformation her life underwent after encountering Jesus in a vivid and extraordinary dream.Just before we meet Asrin, we'll hear from host Joe about why he has chosen th
A Life Changed Forever: Behrang's Encounter with Jesus - Hidden Gems E2
Welcome back to Hidden Gems, where we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from our library.In this episode, we're looking back at a conversation Joe had with Behrang, a member of Elam's Training Team, about his testimony and the miraculous way that he encountered Jesus.Just before we meet Behrang, we'll hear from Harry Fenner Crawley, who heads up Elam's partn
Iran's Church: A Centuries Old Story - Hidden Gems E1
Welcome to our new Hidden Gems season of Jesus Speaks Farsi, where we're revisiting some of our favorite conversations from our library.In this episode, we're looking back at a conversation Chrissy and Hannah had with Tom Hawksley, a member of Elam's Teaching Team, about the history of Iran's church and why, after centuries of hardship, it is growing faster today than ever befo
What the Church Looks Like Under Pressure - Iran’s Church Amid War E3
In this episode, Chrissy speaks with Keyvan Separ, Elam’s Training Director, about the character of the Iranian church, and how believers have embodied the love of Christ throughout the trials and suffering of this year.In this time of conflict, your prayers are needed more than ever. Download the Iran 30 prayer app today through your App Store or visit elam.com/pray-for-iran-appSend us Fan MailJo
Stories of Lament and Worship - Iran’s Church Amid War E2
In this episode, Joe speaks with Niloofar, a member of the Worship team, about how Iranians are learning and experiencing worship in new ways during these days of war and suffering.In this time of war, your prayers are needed more than ever. Download the Iran 30 prayer app today through your App Store or visit elam.com/pray-for-iran-appWatch the live-streamed worship events Niloofar mentioned: Net
Hidden Stories of Courage, Resilience, and Growth - Iran’s Church Amid War E1
In this episode, Chrissy speaks with David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries, about the war in Iran and powerful testimonies from the Church living through darkness today. In this critical moment, your prayers matter more than ever. Download the Iran 30 Prayer App to pray for Iran with daily updates, real testimonies, and guided prayer points. Download here:https://elam.com/pray-for
After the Massacres: How Iran’s Church is Pushing Back the Darkness
In January 2026, Iran faced one of the most violent episodes in its recent history. Thousands were killed, and the nation was left grieving, after the government cracked down with unspeakable brutality on a widespread protest movement.Yet in the midst of suffering, the underground church has responded with prayer, compassion, and hope.Joe Connor speaks with Asrin Yousefi about how believers are ca
Iran At A Crossroads: A Time To Pray
As unrest spreads across Iran, many voices fill the news — but as believers, our response is rooted in faith and prayer.In this message, we reflect on how Christians are called to respond in times of uncertainty: trusting in God’s sovereignty, standing firm in prayer, and interceding for peace, wisdom, and salvation.We believe that prayer makes a difference, and we invite you to stand with us as w
A Life Changed Forever: Behrang’s Encounter with Jesus
In this episode, Joe has an astonishing conversation with Behrang, who explains how he went from a devout Muslim in Iran to a powerful minister of the Gospel because of an incredible face-to-face encounter with Jesus Christ.So much of his story is about the impact of prayer on his life, and we truly believe that your prayers have impact too. Find more ways to pray for Iranians by visiting elam.com
Bonus - A Special Message from Sara Akhavan
Thank you for joining us for this bonus episode of Jesus Speaks Farsi. In this episode we’re sharing a very special message that our friend Sara shared at Lifted, a global online youth event. Join us to hear Sara share her testimony, experience of prison and persecution, and the truth that the Lord spoke to her in her darkest moments. We know you’ll find it encouraging.This excerpt comes from Lift
35 Years of Elam: God’s Work in Iran and the Persian-Speaking Church
In this episode, we’re celebrating 35 years of ministry at Elam. By God’s grace we have seen the church in the Iran region grow and flourish, despite government opposition and persecution. Although Iranian Christians suffer for their faith, they are passionate in sharing the Word and love of Jesus Christ with those around them.We at Elam are filled with gratitude for the role God has given us to p
Chai Time: SEND HOPE BACK HOME
In this episode, we’re wrapping up the most recent season of the podcast. Chrissy and Joe get together to chat about conversations with David and Keyvan about the “Send Hope Back Home” initiative. Breaking down the three simple steps of the program, they reflect on the importance of evangelism, the joy of discipleship, and the hope of fellowship.For more information about “Send Hope Back Home” and
SEND HOPE: Gathering Believers, Establishing the Church
In the fourth episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step three of Send Hope Back Home: helping believers gather for fellowship. Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they share about the power of in-person fellowship. Despite the risks, Iranians long to gather together to worship, fellowship, and be discipled. Using Elam’s
SEND HOPE: Making Disciples, Laying Foundations
In the third episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step two of Send Hope Back Home: discipling new believers.Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they share the heart and mission behind the ‘Safar’ discipleship journey and how intentional healthy discipleship can transform not only individuals and their faith journeys, but
SEND HOPE: Sending the Bible, Meeting the Need
In the second episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step one of Send Hope Back Home: sharing the Gospel. Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they discuss why Iranians are so desperate for the Bible despite the danger, and how the Word of God is transforming the nation. Discover how this movement could mobilize thousands m
SEND HOPE BACK HOME: How 3 Steps Could Change a Region
In this first episode of Send Hope Back Home, Chrissy sits down with Elam’s Executive Director, David Yeghnazar, and Head of Training, Keyvan Separ, to reveal the vision behind this powerful initiative. You’ll hear why this is a crucial moment for Iranians around the world to share the hope of Jesus with family and friends back home. David and Keyvan share moving testimonies — including Keyvan’s o
Light in the Darkness - The Iranian Church’s Response to Conflict
In this bonus episode, Elam’s Executive Director, David Yeghnazar, shares how the Iranian church has been responding to the recent conflict with Israel.You will hear encouraging stories and prayer needs for Iranian Christians at this critical time.Join us in praying for Iran’s church using free prayer resources at www.elam.com/pray-for-iran and by signing up to our regular prayer updates at www.el
Special update with Magda: 21 years of prayers answered
In today’s episode, Dara Lynn has a conversation with Magda to hear a significant update to Magda’s story. She shares about a recent answer to prayer that has been 21 years in the making. To hear Magda’s full testimony, please go back to her episode from May 10th, “A Hard and Faithful Choice." For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church, please vi
Chai Time: Everyone Gets to Play
In this episode, we’re wrapping up the most recent season of the podcast. Jennifer, Chrissy and Dara Lynn get together to chat about conversations with David, Bahar, Samuel and Sara, and Shahrokh. They discuss how God is using ordinary, even unlikely, people to impact the church in extraordinary ways. So, grab a cup of tea and join us for another episode of Chai time on Jesus Speaks Farsi.For more
Everyone Gets to Play: Shahrokh
In today’s episode, Chrissy and Dara Lynn chat with Shahrokh, continuing the ongoing conversation about how everyone, even the most unlikely person, has a part to play in the growth of the church. In this fourth episode of our series, “Everyone Gets to Play,” they discuss how Christian Afghans are having an unexpected impact on the Persian-speaking church.For more information about the recent hist
Everyone Gets to Play: Samuel and Sara Nielsen
In today’s episode, Chrissy chats with Samuel and Sara Nielsen to continue the conversation about our latest series “Everyone Gets to Play.” In this third episode of the series, we talk about how God is moving in the hearts of Persian-speaking teenagers. More and more young people in the Iran region are experiencing life transformation through Christ and they are increasingly excited to tell thei
Everyone Gets to Play: Bahar Shahabi
In today’s episode, Jennifer and Chrissy have a conversation with Bahar Shahabi, to talk further about our latest series on the podcast, “Everyone Gets to Play.” In this second episode of the series, we discuss how as Persian-speaking women meet Jesus, their passion for sharing Him with others is having a significant impact on the growth of the church.For more information about the recent history
Everyone Gets to Play: David Yeghnazar
In today’s episode, Dara Lynn and Jennifer have a conversation with David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries, to talk about our latest series on the podcast, “Everyone Gets to Play.” In this first episode of the series, they discuss how, in God’s kingdom, everyone has a part to play and often the most unlikely people are helping to grow the church in remarkable ways.For more informat
Chai Time: Stories from the Iranian Church
In this episode, we’re wrapping up the most recent season of the podcast. Jennifer and Dara Lynn get together to chat about compelling conversations with Magda, Kenneth, Amir, and Tom. They discuss what it looks like when people say yes to Jesus, despite difficult consequences - and how stories like these can encourage the wider church. So, grab a cup of tea and join us for another episode of Chai
Jesus Crosses Cultures, How do We?
In today’s episode, Dara Lynn and Jenn chat with Kenneth Kuhn, the leader of Elam’s Europe team. Kenneth shares about his journey into ministry from growing up in Denmark as the son of a pastor to becoming one himself, as well as his experience of working with Iranian and Afghan refugees in Europe.Throughout his story, Kenneth gives helpful insights into the challenges of cross-cultural ministry a
Life as an Iranian Christian Refugee
In today’s episode, Chrissy and Dara Lynn have a conversation with Amir, a young Iranian man currently living in North America. Amir shares about his experience of growing up in a Christian family in Iran, becoming a refugee in Turkey for 9 years, and finally, being resettled in Canada. Amir’s story gives helpful insight into what life as a refugee, particularly a Christian refugee, can look like.
Iran's Church: A Centuries-Old Story
In today’s episode, Chrissy and Hannah have a conversation with our resident historian Tom Hawksley on the story of Iran’s church through the ages. They also explore why so many Iranians are responding to the Gospel in recent decades.Tom, a British missionary, has served the Iranian church for 40 years alongside his Iranian wife Mojdeh, who serves in women’s ministry to Persian-speaking women. If
A Hard and Faithful Choice: A Conversation with Magda
As we kickstart the podcast back into a new season, this first episode features a conversation with Magda, an Iranian woman who works in ministry to Persian-speaking women.From all the stories we’ve shared on this podcast, we know that persecution is a very real threat for Christians inside Iran, but we can mistakenly think that that only means the threat of prison and arrest. Today, we’ll hear ho
Bonus Episode: We are back!
Welcome back to Jesus Speaks Farsi! We've got lots of new stories and conversations from the Iranian church that we're excited to share with you.Today Jenn, Dara Lynn and our new host Chrissy have a chat about what's coming up on Jesus Speaks Farsi in the next few weeks.We're so glad you're here!Send us Fan MailJoin us on November 1st for the International Day of Prayer fo
Chai Time: Many Threads/One Tapestry E4
In this episode of Chai Time, we’re wrapping up our last series of 2023, “Many Threads, One Tapestry.” Jennifer and Dara Lynn have a conversation about what it means for our individual stories of meeting and following Christ to be a part of the larger story that God is writing for His church.So, pour yourself a cup of tea and join us for another episode of Jesus Speaks Farsi.For more information a
Hessam: From Troubled Young Man to Wise Church Teacher - Many Threads/One Tapestry E3
In this third episode of our “Many Threads/One Tapestry” series, Hannah has a conversation with Hessam, a well-respected pastor and teacher in the Iranian church who has been a follower of Jesus for 40 years. Years after his life was transformed by the Gospel, Hessam continues to train and equip the next generation of leaders in the Iranian church.For more information about the recent history and
Darya: Finding Christ Across Two Cultures - Many Threads/One Tapestry E2
In this second episode of our “Many Threads/One Tapestry” series, Dara Lynn has a conversation with Darya, a German/Iranian worship leader whose songwriting and worship ministry has had a significant impact on the Iranian church in recent years. She shares about God’s restoration of her family, what living and ministering across two cultures is like, and why Iranians value their freedom to worship
Dani: Growing up Christian inside Iran - Many Threads/One Tapestry E1
In this first episode of our “Many Threads/One Tapestry” series, Dara Lynn and Jennifer chat with Dani, a young Iranian man whose unique story includes growing up in a Christian family inside Iran. He also shares about his mother's work as a Bible translator, his miraculous escape from Iran as a teenager, meeting his wife Niloofar, and working in ministry full-time with her today.Dani’s story
Chai Time: Church planting in the Iran region - Planting Churches E4
In this episode of Chai Time, we’re wrapping up our most recent series, “Church planting in the Iran region.” Joe, Jennifer and Dara Lynn have a conversation about what planting a church in the Iran region looks like as well as how that differs from our Western understanding of church planting. So, pour yourself a cup of tea and join us for another episode of Jesus Speaks Farsi.For more informatio
Kevyan: From Teenage Convert to Helping Train Church Planters - Planting Churches E3
In this third episode of our “Planting churches in Iran and Beyond” series, Dara Lynn talks with Keyvan, an Iranian man who came to faith as a teenager and now plays a significant role in helping train church planters in the Iranian church. If you’ve ever wondered how church planting works in the Iran region or how church planters become church planters, this is the episode for you.For more inform
Samuel: from Argentina to ministry in Iran - Planting Churches E2
In this second episode of our “Planting churches in Iran and Beyond” series, Joe talks with Samuel, an Argentinian pastor and evangelist, about God’s calling him to minister to people across the world from his home country, specifically in Iran. His unique church-planting story includes smuggling Bibles into a closed country, meeting and marrying his Iranian wife Sara, and serving as a senior lead
Kambiz: From Iranian soldier to church planter - Planting Churches E1
In this first episode of our “Planting Churches in Iran and Beyond” series, Joe talks with Kambiz about his story of encountering Jesus as a young soldier in the Iranian army and ultimately becoming a prolific church planter in the Iranian church. In this conversation, Kambiz shares his on-the-ground experience of what planting Persian-speaking churches in the Iran region actually looks like.For m
Lessons from Iran's Church
In this episode, Joe sits down with David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries, to talk about the recent growth of the Iran church and the lessons the global church can learn from what God is doing among Iranian Christians today. They also share compelling testimonies of ordinary Iranians being transformed by the Gospel and going on to impact the Iran region through evangelism, discipl
Chai Time - Life After Prison E4
In this episode, we’re wrapping up our most recent series, “Life After Prison.” Joe, Jennifer and Dara Lynn get together to chat about this series’ conversations with Anahita, Ladan and Sara. They talk about what it means or doesn’t mean, to be “on fire” for Jesus, how being young (in life or in faith) doesn’t exclude believers from the call to ministry, and how persecution is never the end of the
A Follow up Conversation with Ladan - Life After Prison E3
As part of our series on Life after Prison, this episode includes a conversation with Ladan, a senior leader in the Iranian church who ministers to Iranian women in the Iran region. In this episode, Dara Lynn and Jenn talk with Ladan about how her experience of being in prison for her faith and how she learned what it meant to fully trust God in an incredibly challenging time. Ladan’s story high
A Follow up Conversation with Sara - Life After Prison E2
As part of our series on Life after Prison, this episode includes a conversation with Sara, a senior leader in the Iranian church who works directly with Persian-speaking youth. Sara’s story highlights how God turns difficult seasons into blessing and beauty from ashes. She also shares about her recent experience of losing her father and how that hard experience is also stretching her understandin
A Follow Up Conversation with Anahita - Life After Prison E1
In this season, we’re catching up with a few of our Iranian friends about what life and faith have looked like after their very personal experiences with persecution.Today, Dara Lynn is joined by Anahita, a senior church leader in the Iranian church who serves in the Middle East alongside her husband Matthew. In this episode, we’ll hear about how the time she spent in prison shaped her faith going
Chai Time - Pray Give Go Stay E5
In this episode, we’re wrapping up our most recent series, “Pray, Give, Go, Stay.” Joe, Jennifer and Dara Lynn spend some time talking about the implications of each of these opportunities to engage with the global church. They also share how their own imaginations were stirred as they talked with friends of the Iranian church about what it can look like to participate in the story God is writing
Engaging in Faithful Staying with Neil and Celeste Rogers - Pray, Give, Go, Stay E4
As part of our Pray, Give, Go, Stay series, Neil and Celeste Rogers share their experience ministering to refugees within their own community in rural Texas. They encourage those looking for ways to reach the nations to simply look in their own backyards. The opportunities for mission work among Afghan and Iranian refugees where we all live only continue to grow.One note: In this episode, Joe ment
Engaging in Courageous Going with Tom Hawksley - Pray, Give, Go, Stay E3
As we continue our series on how to effectively engage with the global Church through praying, giving, going, and staying, this third episode focuses on what it can look like to courageously go.Today, Joe and Jennifer are joined by Tom Hawksley, a Brit who has spent his adult life in ministry, particularly with the church in Iran. He shares about his unconventional way of learning Farsi, how he me
Engaging in Impactful Giving with Mark Howard - Pray, Give, Go, Stay E2
As we continue our series on how to effectively engage with the global church through praying, giving, going, and staying, this second episode focuses on the personal and wider impact of obedient giving.Today, Dara Lynn and Jennifer are joined by Mark Howard, a non-profit development director with a pastor’s heart. He shares with us the impact obedient giving can have in the life of a believer as
Engaging in Effective Prayer with Louise Yeghnazar - Pray, Give, Go, Stay E1
In this season of Jesus Speaks Farsi, we’ll be talking to friends whose lives have been deeply impacted and shaped by the story of Iran’s church – even though they’re all from the West. Our hope is that in hearing their stories on how they’ve become involved, your imagination would also be stirred for ways the Lord might have you become more deeply connected to what God is doing in the global chur
Learning to Fly (aired previously) - Bonus Episode
This Good Friday, we wanted to share our friend Bahar’s story with you again. Her story is featured in our earlier series on Women in Iran, so if you haven’t already, we hope you’ll go back and listen to these incredible Iranian women share their experiences of meeting Jesus. In this episode, Bahar shares her story of growing up as an Iranian woman, which includes her experience of significant dis
A Stranger, the Scriptures and a New Start - Bonus Episode
In this bonus episode, we're marking the twentieth anniversary of the modern Farsi translation of the New Testament. 2.5 million copies later, stories of life transformation like the one we share in this episode are happening every day in the Iran region.In this episode, Joe sits down for a conversation with Rasool, an Iranian Christian whose life was changed dramatically after receiving a Ne
Chai Time - Encounters with Jesus E6
In this episode, we’re wrapping up our Encounters with Jesus series. Jennifer, Joe and Dara Lynn get together at Jennifer’s farm to discuss the conversations in this series about what it can look like to encounter Jesus and the difference that made in each of our guests’ lives. Sharing their own personal experiences of spiritual encounters, our co-hosts find a lot to talk about in this Chai time.
Recovering the Supernatural - Encounters with Jesus E5
David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries, shares how God is moving supernaturally in Iran’s church today.This episode is a recording of a 30-minute message David gave at the 2022 Lausanne conference in Asia titled “Recovering the Supernatural.”In his message, David explains how Jesus is presenting Himself alive today in the Iranian church through His Word and through supernatural vis
God Broke Me Out - Encounters with Jesus E4
In this episode, Joe is joined by fellow podcast teammate Moread, who handles the design and publishing for Jesus Speaks Farsi.We love having Moread on the team and we’re so grateful for his insight and first-hand experience of Persian culture. Born and raised in Iran, Moread left the country as an adult and has since become a follower of Jesus. Today, Moread is passionate about sharing the story
My Key to Encountering God - Encounters with Jesus E3
In our third episode of the Encounters with Jesus series, Dara Lynn and Jen will be speaking with an Iranian woman who leads worship for thousands of Farsi speakers and encounters God’s presence in more ways than just worship music.Niloofar grew up in Iran in a nominally Muslim home where being a daughter was less valuable than being a son. When her parents became believers through a television pr
An Element of Mystery - Encounters with Jesus E2
There are a lot of encouraging stories of people from a Muslim background encountering Jesus in the Iran region, and many of us in the West may be asking the question, “Why isn’t God doing that in my church?” In our second episode of the Encountering Jesus series, Joe speaks with Afshin, a noted Old Testament scholar and teacher (Afshin is also featured in the Scriptures in Iran season, episode 3)
Face to Face with Jesus - Encounters with Jesus E1
In our first episode of the Encounters with Jesus series Joe will be speaking with an Iranian woman who spoke with Jesus face to face through a dream.Asrin is from a Kurdish family who are typically hated by the government in Iran. After a terrifying experience as a teenager because of her ethnicity, she wanted to join the Kurdish Militia and fight for justice against the Iranian government but an
One-year Anniversary 2022
A short conversation with Dara Lynn and Joe to celebrate one year of Jesus Speaks Farsi. They'll discuss current events in Iran, recap the past year of episodes and let you know what we have to look forward to in 2023 on the podcast.For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church please visit elam.com/iran-story.For more information about our organiza
Reflections on Current Events - Prayer for Iran
Thank you to everyone who joined Elam’s International Day of Prayer for Iran recently. People and churches from over 60 nations around the world came together to pray for the current situation in Iran and on today’s episode, we’ll hear from one of the leaders of this prayer initiative.Roozbeh has been on a previous episode of Jesus Speaks Farsi and if you’d like to hear his testimony you can liste
Reflections on Current Events - Protests in Iran (October 2022)
The nation of Iran is at a tipping point as its people, mainly led by courageous women, are taking to the streets against the injustices of decades of oppression. Many are saying these are the most intense protests since the Iranian revolution in 1979. Despite the hardships and the hardline Islamic regime, the people of Iran continue to receive the Gospel and respond with hope and joy.In this epis
Chai Time - Scriptures in Iran E5
In this final episode of the Scriptures in Iran series, Joe, Dara Lynn and Jen sit down over a cup of chai to talk through the stories we’ve shared. We discuss our thoughts as Westerners about the stories we’ve heard about the impact of the Scriptures in Iran.Grab your cup of tea and join us for another episode of Jesus Speaks Farsi.For more information about the recent history and incredible grow
From Drug Dealer to Bible Translator - Scriptures in Iran E4
In today’s episode, Joe speaks with his good friend Ali about Ali’s fascinating journey to faith and his current work, Bible translation.Just like Afshin (episode 3), who is a mentor of Ali’s, Ali is working on translating the Bible into languages that have never had the Scriptures before. Ali’s team is currently working on 20 translation projects including the Shekaki, Qashqai, Dezfooli, Ahvazi A
Behind Every Story - Scriptures in Iran E3.5
On today’s episode, Joe shares one of his favorite stories from the church in Iran about a man whose dream about Jesus led him to a Christian who gave him a Bible. Joe reminds us that behind every incredible testimony like this is the faithful obedience of countless believers who have prayed, shared, given, and served. While Jesus is the story's hero, He also invites each of us to play a part
A Persian Perspective for the Western World - Scriptures in Iran E3
Join Dara Lynn as she chats with Afshin, one of the only Iranians with a PhD in biblical studies. As a student, Afshin's focus was on the Old Testament, specifically the Psalms. Not only is he a celebrated teacher in the Farsi-speaking world, but he is also part of the team that translated the Bible into modern-day Farsi.His wealth of knowledge of the Scriptures and the way he understands the
The Word That Calmed The Storm - Scriptures in Iran E2
Today, Roozbeh is a beloved Iranian worship leader, but as a young man his life was full of anger and hate and he always felt like a storm was raging inside his heart.In today’s episode, Joe and Roozbeh talk about Roozbeh's experience reading the New Testament for the first time and how he became a follower of Jesus while living inside Iran. They'll also discuss why reading the Scripture
Through the Generations - Scriptures in Iran E1
David Yeghnazar, Executive director of Elam Ministries, joins Jen and Dara Lynn today in the first episode of our new podcast series, “Scriptures in Iran.” In this series, we’ll be hearing from different Iranian believers about how the Bible in Farsi is transforming lives across the region despite its being banned by the Iranian government.In today’s episode, David shares his personal journey with
Bonus Episode - Stories from the Cutting Room Floor
There are some stories too good not to share. In this episode, Sara tells a short story about another Iranian woman who loves the Scriptures - her mother.For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church please visit elam.com/iran-story.For more information about our organization, please visit elam.com.Send us Fan MailJoin us on November 1st for the Internat
Chai Time - Women in Iran E5
In this final episode of the Women in Iran series, Joe, Dara Lynn and Jen sit down over a cup of chai to talk through the stories we’ve shared. We discuss our thoughts as Westerners about the stories we’ve heard about women from Iran.Grab your cup of tea and join us for another episode of Jesus Speaks Farsi.For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church p
This is Beautiful - Women in Iran E4
In today's episode, Joe has a conversation with Sara, a woman who has been instrumental in the growth of the Iranian church. We hope you’re encouraged to hear how, by God's grace, she helped plant seven churches inside Iran, despite persecution and the challenges of being a single woman.For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church please visit
From Sour to Sweet - Women in Iran E3
In today’s episode, Jen and Joe will be chatting with Amirhossein about his experience growing up as a man in Iran and his perspective on the oppression women face there. We hope you’ll be encouraged by our conversation with Amirhossein as he shares why “women are meant to fly.”For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church please visit elam.com/iran-stor
Learning to Fly - Women in Iran E2
In today's episode, we'll be talking with Bahar. As a woman born and raised in Iran, Bahar always sensed that the way women were treated in her culture wasn’t right or how things were meant to be. She was told to be quiet, to never laugh and to stay in her place. In this episode, we’ll hear how she ended up finding her place in the story God is writing for women in Iran.For more informat
The Floodgates are Open - Women in Iran E1
Today’s episode is the first in our second podcast series - “Women in Iran.” In this series, we’ll hear from three women about their extraordinary journeys to the Christian faith while living in a culture that systematically oppresses women.Mojdeh, our first guest was born in Iran and raised in a Christian home before the 1979 revolution in Iran. She’ll be sharing how this event has significantly
Bonus Episode - A brief history of Iran
In this bonus episode, Jen will be joined by fellow podcast teammate Moread who handles the design and publishing for Jesus Speaks Farsi.We love having Moread on the team for his insight and first-hand experience of Persian culture. Born and raised in Iran, he left the country as an adult and has since become a follower of Jesus. Today, Moread is passionate about sharing the story of what God is d
Chai Time - Persecution E5
In this final episode of the Persecution series, Joe, Dara Lynn and Jen sit down over a cup of chai to talk through the stories we’ve shared in this series. Persecution and suffering go hand in hand and bring up a lot of difficult questions for our Christian faith: Why does God let his followers go to prison? Where is He in all the suffering? What should we as Westerners do with these stories from
It Was Worth It - Persecution E4
We’ll be checking back in with Farshid from our first episode ( One Year in Solitary - Persecution E1 ) in this series to hear what life was like in prison after leaving solitary confinement. The majority of the 120 leaders arrested along with Farshid, like Ladan and Anahita, had been released from prison, and many had even left Iran. Farshid, however, would go on to spend another four years behin
Escape through the Mountains - Persecution E3
In this episode, Dara Lynn talks with Anahita, a senior leader within Iran’s house church movement. We’ll hear how only a few months into her marriage, she and her husband Matthew were both arrested for their involvement in church planting. She’ll also share the fascinating story of their escape from Iran over the mountains. For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of th
Taxi to Jail - Persecution E2
In this episode, Jennifer’s talking with Ladan, a senior leader in the Iranian church who has shared the Gospel with thousands of people across the Iran region. She’ll be sharing her story of meeting Jesus and planting house churches in Iran. We’ll also hear how that led her to take a taxi to jail and ultimately spend nearly a month in solitary confinement. For more information about the recent hi
One Year in Solitary - Persecution E1
In this episode, Joe will be talking with Farshid, a key leader within the early underground house church movement inside Iran. He’ll be sharing his story of spending almost a year in solitary confinement. Despite the incredible hardship he underwent, Farshid exhibits contagious joy in Christ.For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church please visit ela
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