Unsplash

Iran (MNN) — Renewed strikes between the United States and Iran last weekend may overshadow the sanctions campaign the U.S. launched last week. That campaign, called Operation Economic Outcast, is meant to “sever economic lifelines” for the Iranian regime, according to the U.S. Department of the Treasury. 

However, Iran’s currency already reached a new low of 2 million rials to the dollar on August 23. Iranian families have borne the brunt of the war for months upon months.

(Photo courtesy Heart4Iran)

“Technically, food and medicines are exempt from U.S. sanctions,” says Edwin Abnous with Heart4Iran, “but the bigger problem is getting money through the banking system, and the falling value of the rial.” 

Abnous says families have to make hard choices between buying food or buying other necessities. According to Iran’s statistical center, Iran’s year-on-year inflation in August hit 84.4%. And there’s no end to the pressure in sight. 

“Hardship can sometimes cause people to become more open and ask deeper questions, but it can also cause people to lose hope completely,” he says. 

Government crackdowns and limited internet access are making it increasingly difficult for Iranians to connect with Heart4Iran, says Abnous. But the ministry’s satellite TV content still reaches many disillusioned people with the gospel. 

“When people lose trust in the system around them, they begin asking deeper questions, and sometimes they are willing to hear an answer from someone on a television screen late at night,” he says.  

Please don’t let the U.S.-Iran war become background noise. Your prayers and partnership with Heart4Iran help to propel the gospel of Jesus to people near despair.

“The conflict has continued for months, and people outside Iran may be getting tired of hearing about it, but people inside Iran are still living through that every day. Their needs have not disappeared,” says Abnous.

(Photo courtesy of Heart4Iran)

A prayer offered in faith

Heart4Iran’s team connected with a man we’ll call Ryan living in Iran. He had been diagnosed with HPV. 

“He became very afraid and was very worried about his future. He asked God for forgiveness, a second chance, and healing. He also contacted us, Mohabat TV’s response team, for prayer,” says Abnous. 

After six months, Ryan was able to take another test, and the results came back negative, with no signs of the virus. 

“Ryan believes God answered his prayers and gave him a new beginning. Now he wants to live for God and encourage others to trust His forgiveness, healing, and grace,” says Abnous. 

Pray specifically for ministry to Iranians

Please pray for Heart4Iran to continue to be able to reach people like Ryan despite the barriers in Iran today. Pray also for Heart4Iran’s counselors, who hear difficult stories every day and carry the emotional weight. 

“Pray for Christians who are in prison and for those families who are dealing with fear, pressure, and very high bail costs. And please pray that the economic crisis does not lead people only to despair,” says Abnous. “We are praying that people will find hope in the middle of this crisis.”

 

Header photo: A man in Mazandaran Province, Iran (Stock photo courtesy of Lumière Rezaie via Unsplash)