“We Three Kings of Orient Are,” this Christmas song reminds us of the first seekers of the Messiah who were not from a Jewish background. Their faith carried them through valleys and deserts to Bethlehem to see the newborn Savior. They believed, they obeyed, and they helped provide for His early years — and His refuge in Egypt — with gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh.

It is also widely believed they were Persians, and there may have been more than three of them.

In many ways, the current generation of believers in Iran are faithful heirs of those Magi. Some came to Christ before the 1979 revolution, some after, but what unites them is a passionate love for their nation and a willingness to pay a high price.

Haik Hovsepian (1945–1994), one of the martyrs of the Iranian Church, refused to follow government limits on church meetings or to hand over a list of members. He said:

“Our Executive Board has reached the conclusion that the policy of ‘let us keep silent and see what will happen next’ is a satanic policy! Even if we die or go to jail for our faith, we want the whole Christian world to know what is happening to their brothers and sisters in a country that claims to be religious… You may wonder why I am writing so openly. We have nothing else to lose. We have tolerated all these years and kept silent. Nothing has changed. Please don’t worry about me, I am quite ready for anything.”

Since Hovsepian’s death, many other believers have paid with their lives — or their freedom — so the Gospel could heal, transform, and lead their nation. Even so, the Iranian church is considered one of the fastest-growing in the world.

The Iranian church has proven its faithfulness to Christ. Now believers in other parts of the world have the opportunity to partake in the mission. Yet this church is growing like a tender fruit tree in the desert — and it needs both prayer and practical help. How can you help? With your prayers, your talents, and your finances.

Here are practical ways to help Iranian believers right now — based on what we are already doing:

Help provide medicine — fund emergency medications for Christian families and leaders who cannot access treatment because of the economic crisis.

Help keep leaders safe — support secure VPN options and backup phones so believers can communicate, disciple, and minister without being exposed.

Help women start sustainable work — sponsor micro-business training and starter tools (like beauty skills) so servant sisters can earn income and open everyday doors for Gospel conversations.

Help disciple the next generation — give toward DTS scholarships so young Iranian believers can be trained, strengthened, and sent back into their calling.

Help train church leaders — support online theology education for local leaders and practical leadership training gatherings that strengthen the underground church.

Help send Bibles and literature — fund safe distribution so believers can have Scripture in their homes and small fellowships.

Help expand Business as Mission — invest in practical training (hydroponics, mushroom growing, farming) that helps leaders build sustainable work and coach others.

Help multiply disciples through servant leadership — pray and support Holistic Disciple-Making training, raising leaders who serve, take responsibility, and invest in people so disciples mature and multiply.

The Iranian church needs the brotherly shoulder of its global family — to care for its believers, to help make a way for the Gospel, and to cover them with a shield of prayer. And you can be a part of this movement.

Galatians 6:9–10: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”

To learn more about the initiatives you can support, click here.

Cross the bridge to Persians with us!