The tentative agreement between the United States and Iran, scheduled to be signed on June 19, offers no immediate relief from the economic crisis gripping Iran. According to International Media Ministries (IMM), Iran's economic collapse has deep roots: decades under a regime that has never reinvested the country's resources in infrastructure, water supplies or its people's well-being. More than 40 million Iranians could soon be living below the poverty line.
Denise Godwin of IMM reminds us that behind the numbers are human beings trying to survive and feed their children. While the regime remains defiant toward the West, Iranian citizens are resisting their own government: on June 12, opposition groups reported a coordinated campaign against repression across Iran. "The protests have not stopped. People are trying to choose their moments wisely," Godwin says.
On the spiritual front, IMM is about to launch its first film series about the biblical story of Esther, intended for Iranians in the European diaspora. The project uses this Persian-Jewish narrative to reach a people whose own history has been erased by the regime. "The story of Esther closely mirrors what is happening today, where individuals have to make sacrifices to bring truth and freedom," Godwin says.
Pray that God will show His power in Iran. Pray for courage for believers who share their faith amid pressure, poverty and danger. May true freedom, freedom in Christ, come to these people who have suffered so much, and may the work of ministries such as IMM reach many Iranian hearts with the gospel.
