The Holy Spirit at work in Iran

More than a million Iranians, many former Muslims, have converted

There’s something miraculous going on in Iran that isn’t making headlines — a revival. A Christian revival.

Despite being an Islamic Republic where conversion from Islam to Christianity is punishable by law and often met with severe persecution, the underground church in Iran is reportedly one of the fastest-growing Christian movements in the world.

Reading accounts of conversions through dreams and visions, and the way lives are being transformed, reminds me of the Book of Acts.

Like Paul’s vision of the Macedonian man (Acts 16:9) or Ananias being sent to Saul (Acts 9:10-12), Iranians are being supernaturally directed to gospel encounters.

The dreams are often specific — where to go, whom to meet, what to look for, mirroring the specificity found in Acts.

Rev. Lazarus Yeghnazar’s testimony, for example: “I saw a vision of a man with a white robe, with a cross on his shoulder or on his heart, and he says, ‘I’m Jesus.’”

Or Mona, a middle-aged Iranian woman who was searching for meaning in her life. One day, she met a Christian named Reza who shared the Gospel with her. After the conversation, she had a dream about Jesus. Compelled by the dream, she returned to Reza and gave her life to Christ.

She became a true disciple of Christ, learning, growing, and ultimately becoming an evangelist.

Her story is not unique. Iranians have reported encournters with a “man in white” (understood to be Jesus) who gives clear, actionable instructions. Some have had dreams that direct the seeker to someone who has a message for them—often the Gospel or a Bible. Others report supernatural confirmations, such as hearing scripture in a dream and then discovering it in a Bible they later receive.

The best estimates say there are not at least one million Christians in Iran, most from Muslim backgrounds.

Underground networks of house churches and Bible study groups are proliferating, often operating in secrecy due to government crackdowns and the risk of arrest.

It’s estimated that six out of every ten Iranians are open to becoming Christians, reflecting deep spiritual hunger and disillusionment with the Islamic regime.

Many Iranians are disillusioned with the Islamic government, according to reports, citing corruption, economic hardship, and social repression. There is a desire for personal transformation and a sense of community, which is best represented in a faith centered on love, forgiveness, grace and a personal relationship with God.

Women play a significant role in the revival, often leading house churches and engaging in evangelistic efforts, despite the risks involved.

The Iranian government has responded with increased persecution, including arrests, imprisonment, and even executions of Christian converts and leaders

Despite these risks, the movement continues to grow, with some observers noting that persecution may even be fueling the revival by deepening the faith and resolve of believers.

While all of this has been going on, at least 50,000 mosques have closed.