Persian Diaspora Partnerships: A New Strategy for Engaging with God’s Work in Europe
Persian Diaspora Partnerships: A New Strategy for Engaging with God’s Work in Europe
In October 2021, while COVID protocols were still in effect and few people were traveling internationally, The Outreach Foundation decided to explore a new field of harvest. It’s called Diaspora. Diaspora refers to those people living away from their homeland due to religious, political, or economic hardship. Biblically, we may recall Esther and Daniel living in Persia, or the Israelites living in Egypt, even Jesus and his family living in diaspora while on the run from Herod the Great.
Our initial visit took place in Germany where we met several of Sasan Tavassoli’s friends engaged in vibrant ministry throughout the diaspora of Europe. We discovered that people living in diaspora are often lonely, isolated, and separated from loved ones. They endure smuggling, trafficking, unemployment, and addiction. Yet we heard incredible God-glorifying testimonies of the kingdom work being done despite this harsh reality. It has been a rich blessing to see how the church is at work among those living in the diaspora of The Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Turkey, and the UK. We sense this work will resonate with many people and congregations familiar with The Outreach Foundation and will introduce us to many new friends as well.
In the spring of 2023, The Outreach Foundation officially launched Persian Diaspora Partnerships. This is an ecosystem of smaller ministries that align well with our core values. Each one vibrantly, energetically, and sacrificially amplifies the Great Commission. They are trustworthy and there are many opportunities to learn from them as we engage in their ministries.
It will be our pleasure to introduce you to each of the ministries over time. Already congregations and donors are involved and report to us how much these relationships are transforming their understanding of the church and how the Spirit is at work in this world. We see it as the fulfillment of God’s promise in Isaiah 43:19. “Behold I am doing a new thing, now it springs forth. Can you not see it? I will make a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert.” We are humbled God has determined to call us into this work and we are excited to include you in it!
Focus Story: Safehouse
Our first story highlights the work of Safehouse, a ministry based in The Netherlands. In 2005, Dariush Golbaghi and his wife Hodeis emigrated to The Netherlands as Muslims from the Persian-speaking part of the world. Not long after their arrival and through miraculous experiences, each has become a follower of Christ. Dariush is particularly gifted in music, through which he proclaims the gospel among his people living in diaspora. He birthed Safehouse, a ministry that shares the gospel through music, Bible study, counseling, and leadership training. Through social media, Safehouse openly shares about Jesus in countries where it is illegal to do so
Recently, Dariush was approached by a secular organization based in the UK to work with them because they were impressed with his use of social media and music. It became yet another opportunity for him to share the gospel. Here is the story:
An unexpected turn of events recently led me to a new and extraordinary opportunity to serve in the secular world. About a month ago, I received a surprising phone call from a well-known secular artist. She reached out to me to direct her upcoming music video and to write the script. Initially, I couldn't believe what I was hearing. The idea of being involved in a project with such an artist seemed unimaginable. But then, I reminded myself of the words: "Nothing is impossible for God."
In faith and hope about how God may use this opportunity to share the good news of Jesus with secular people, I embraced this chance to serve as a vessel for God's message in an unconventional setting. The project began in early June with my team and I working tirelessly with the artist and her team. We poured our hearts into this project, and we completed it by the end of June.
But for me, my team, and my family, the truly awe-inspiring thing is that God has opened a door for us straight into the secular creative world that normally is opposed to the gospel. We are filled with gratitude! During the course of the project, I had the opportunity to interact and share my life testimony with many talented artists including Dutch TV actors as well as those from the UK and even South Africa. It was a profound experience to see how God's presence and love touched their lives through our collaboration.
Now it is important to say that no one approached me with a moving testimony about coming to the Lord! However, this was a seed-planting opportunity, and everyone told me that my story encouraged them. They see love at work in what we do at Safehouse. In a space normally occupied by high egos and immorality, they experienced authenticity and integrity from me and my team. They told me that in us they see joy and something unique. Though they don’t have the words for it I do: they are experiencing Jesus through us. Praise His glorious name!
May we continue to be open to the doors that God opens for us, ready to embrace the unexpected and allow His light to shine through us. Please pray for Dariush’s family and ministry that reaches thousands of people daily. During our visit with his family in late June, his wife shared that she is always concerned about Dariush’s life when he travels. People are actively attempting to arrest and kill him because of what he does. So, let’s pray for his safety. Safehouse has many ongoing projects that are changing lives. Dariush is launching a new Alpha program in Farsi through social media.
THE OPPORTUNITY
If you wish to support this or any of the work of Safehouse financially any gift is welcome! You may make a gift HERE or by sending a check to our office.