Doors Closing in Iran?

With the UN deadline a day away for Iran to suspend uranium enrichment, President Mahmoud Ahmadi-Nejad is still defiant. He claims the UN will do nothing if they fail to comply with the resolution. Many Iranians are concerned and wary of the future.

While Iran is taking a hard-line stance against the world, they're also clamping down on some of their limited freedoms. Spokeswoman for Trans World Radio Barbara Shantz says, "We've recently heard that satellite dishes are being removed from the country, making it difficult for those depending on that media to reach in to the country. So, we're back to radio being extremely important."

TWR beams Persian Christian music and programming into that region of the world. While the government appears radical, Shantz says we can't forget about that nation. "We forget that there is a Church, with a big 'C.' There are believers there depending on radio. And, we know that there are small groups that are listening around the radio, hearing the Gospel, and being discipled."

According Shantz, while it hasn't been easy to reach Iran with the Gospel, it may get even more difficult. "The general trend is that the country is closing, borders are getting tighter and tighter. The country is experiencing a brain drain. Their brightest and best are going to schools in the west and not returning. And, the government is increasingly taking action against believers, making it difficult for them."

Shantz says Iran's defiance to the rest of the world, is actually pushing average Iranians to listen to their programming because they're disenfranchised. She says many are responding. "Maybe I could give one example of three young women (who) gave their hearts to the Lord and have formed, what they call, a church of three. And, they listen to the radio broadcast. That is one of the ways they are fed regularly."

Some new believers have come to Christ as they were instructed in a dream or a vision to listen to the broadcast. Shantz says there are many people like this. She's asking people to pray. "Think of a particular person and give them names, if you can. And, pray for them daily that they'll find the Lord."