Thousands of believers in the Persian-speaking world face discrimination and persecution, often suffering in silence and alone. Even their names and faces remain anonymous for their own safety. But we have the privilege of connecting with some of them.

“It was about a year ago that I grew in faith through watching the programs on SAT-7 PARS,” writes Toofan* from Afghanistan. “It was through Facebook that I first came across SAT-7. I then joined the message groups on WhatsApp and Telegram and came to understand Christianity.”

Darab* and Afsoon*, from Afghanistan, were disillusioned with life and religion until they came across SAT-7 PARS’ Biblical teaching programs and gained a whole new perspective.

Many SAT-7 viewers in Iran live with fears of arrest and betrayal. Yet their testimonies to God’s grace and goodness are an inspiration, says Hephzibah, who has translated many of their messages.

Open worship, free of fear, is something that Christians can often take for granted, but it is a freedom many Persian-speaking Christians in countries such as Iran, Afghanistan and Tajikistan, cannot currently enjoy.

Being a Christian in the Persian-speaking world is full of challenges. For some, they must keep their faith secret or face discrimination and persecution. Here we share some of the struggles faced by believers in Iran.

New SAT-7 series Follow Me recently introduced viewers to Elia Maurice. He shared how he has witnessed God’s faithfulness through war, displacement, a kidnapping attempt, and a family tragedy that changed his life forever.