‘I COULDN’T STAY SILENT’: READ ABOUT SOMAYEH’S BRAVE FAITH

Somayeh*, a MUSLIM woman from Iran, didn’t believe in Christianity. In fact, she went to church just to prove it wrong. But something unexpected happened—she felt a deep peace and connection she had never experienced before. That day, she decided to follow Jesus.

“The presence of God was overwhelming,” she says. “It was everything I had longed to feel in my prayers but never did.. When I walked out of the church, I felt like a bird released from a cage. As I prayed and learned, I grew in my faith and got to know Him. Through prayer, discipleship and the Holy Spirit, my new life truly began.”

NEW FAITH, NEW RISKS

Her new faith came with serious risks. In Iran, converting from Islam to Christianity is dangerous. When her husband found out, he became violent. He destroyed her Bible and even tore up her birth certificate. He threatened her life if she kept talking about Jesus.

But despite the pressure, God brought comfort: “In the midst of those tears, I heard a voice say, ‘Your name is written in the Book of Life,’ and those words gave me strength to carry on,” she says.

Despite the danger, Somayeh didn’t give up. She could only go to church once a month and had to listen to sermons in secret. But the pressure from her husband got worse. She says: “My husband had threatened to kill me if I preached the gospel. “But I couldn’t stay silent.”

Eventually, her husband moved the family to a new city to cut her off from other Christians.

AN IMPOSSIBLE CHURCH

Isolated and displaced, Somayeh cried out to God: “Why had this happened?” Suddenly, to her surprise, she felt God tell her: “I want to build a church here in this town.”

It was an impossible idea. But she set out. And, starting with a handful of Christians meeting in secret, it soon grew to an underground house church with more than 30 members.

“When we gathered, we never mentioned our meeting places over the phone – we used code words and were extremely careful,” Somayeh says. “All phones had to be turned off, and we even removed the batteries to avoid tracking.

“We saw miracles happening with us, and with people around us! Seeing the church grow was one of the greatest joys of my life.”

Then, one day, the intelligence services called with a chilling message: “We will see you soon.”

FORCED THE RE-LOCATE

Because of the intense dangers she was facing, Somayeh now lives in another country, but still serves secret Christians in Iran through an online ministry. To equip her, Somayeh attends Open Doors organised leadership training sessions, which help her to share her experience and wisdom with Christians who are still having to keep secret.

“I’m blessed to pass on what I’ve received, to bless others in return.” she says. “Thank you.”

Courageous believers like Somayeh pay a high price when people learn about their faith – but knowing they are part of the global body of Christ gives them hope, encouragement and determination to keep defying persecution and revealing the gospel. Please pray for Somayeh and the secret Christians in Iran that she is still serving. Use the points below.

*Name changed for security reasons