Ashtad is fourteen. He has never known any religion but Islam, and he has never lived a day not under Sharia law. However, he is a very intelligent young man! When a boy in Ashtad’s neighborhood was diagnosed with cancer, the boy’s mother Zahra prayed to Allah for healing, but to no avail. She sought many imams and other mediators to intercede for her son, but he just grew sicker.
In desperation, she decided to pray in Jesus’ name. To her astonishment, Jesus came to her in a dream that night and assured her that her son would get well. The next morning, he was better, and his cancer was gone! Zahra gave her life to Jesus and shared the amazing story of her son’s healing with Ashtad. He was so touched that he immediately began searching for information about Jesus. What he found was a whole new world—Christianity! He found the IRAN ALIVE Christian satellite television channel and devoured the new information. Despite the danger, Ashtad contacted Michael (CRI’s Persian broadcaster) and expressed appreciation for the program Besharat. Michael immediately responded with a question, “Ashtad, do you know for sure that you are going to Heaven?”
“I do not,” was Ashtad’s humble reply. That day, Ashtad became a born-again believer in Jesus! He was so excited that he told his parents, and they were not antagonistic to his decision.
Ashtad has only been saved for one month, but he has joined Michael’s online Bible class, and he has texted almost every day, asking very deep Biblical questions. (Remember, he is fourteen!) To match his new life, Ashtad has decided to take a new name—Pulos (Paul). Obviously, Ashtad has been reading the book of Acts!
Iran is changing! So many people are coming out of Islam. Two-thirds of the mosques (50,000) have closed! The rest are basically empty. Many of the youth are turning to secularism and rejecting God altogether, but millions are coming to Christ, and no amount of persecution can change their minds. It is a veritable tsunami! Since 2000, counselors from the IRAN ALIVE satellite television channel have personally witnessed to over 105,000 Iranians who have put their faith in Jesus for salvation. The goal is to have one million conversions by 2035. Please pray for Iran!
Editor’s Note: CRI wishes to thank Gene Sharp and many volunteers who helped fund and build a production studio for Persian broadcaster Michael. It has saved Michael an enormous amount of time, effort, and money to be able to produce his programs from home.
USA Refugee
In Limbo
An Iranian convert from the Persian television program Besharat fled persecution in Iran and started a church in Turkey. He has been forced to flee again and is presently being held in a refugee holding facility in the U.S., where he could be detained indefinitely. Please pray that God will miraculously provide him with religious-asylum status. Repatriation to Iran would mean certain death. He is truly a “Man Without a Country!”
TURKEY
Church Established
Persian broadcaster Michael has reported that the Persian church plant in Turkey is going well. The pastor and his wife, who were saved five years ago after seeing Michael’s satellite television program Besharat, were forced to flee Iran. They have been faithfully discipled by Michael and are witnessing in the city where they reside. A church of about twenty has been established, even though converts are constantly moving on to other countries. A recently acquired rented building, which is in a more private location, has provided the pastor and his family with a safer place to live, a designated meeting room for services, and an extra room for guests.
CRI NEEDS A STUDIO BUILDING
Christian Radio International is twenty years old. Since its inception, through the expertise of founder George Zarris and codirector Gene Sharp, CRI has funded and built, in whole or in part, at least fifty radio stations and multiple television studios around the world. For two decades, our office has been a 10-foot by 12-foot donated, multipurpose room—nothing more!
WE NEED A STUDIO BUILDING! WE NEED A TRAINING CENTER! We need a space to produce quality content in multiple languages. NOW IS THE TIME! God has provided a property on which we can build a 30-foot by 60-foot customized structure.
CRI partner, Andy Chafa (a contractor), Gene Sharp, son Wade Sharp, and other volunteers have offered their time to build this summer. WE NEED YOUR HELP! The building will cost $100,000 using all donated labor. The technical equipment will cost $50,000. We have enough money to lay the concrete foundation and floor. We need funds immediately for the rest of the project.
WOULD YOU HELP US? Please send your gifts marked “STUDIO” to CRI at the information below.
George Zarris
Christian Radio International
