Elam Awakening Update | March 25
A Subdued Nowruz
Nowruz is a much-anticipated holiday, marking the New Year on the Iranian calendar. It is celebrated annually in the spring, coinciding with a time of rebirth. This past weekend, March 20-22, Iranians inside an anxious and war-torn country expressed the common greetings, "Nowruz Mubarak!" (Happy Nowruz) and "Nowruzetoon Pirooz" (May your New Year be victorious), with an array of mixed emotions.
The same familiar greetings happened on streets, in markets, and in homes and churches by Iranians living in diaspora in numerous countries around the world. Nowruz is a festive celebration for a vibrant people. Much like Thanksgiving in the United States, most of all, Iranians want to be together with loved ones. With most families in diaspora also having relatives in the home country of Iran, the much-desired human connection is absent. A brief phone call is rare, and with the countrywide internet blackout now in its 26th day, communication is nearly non-existent.
In these circumstances, being part of a church family takes on additional value. Experiencing the joy of Christ together with others walking the same path is a balm to many. Last weekend The Outreach Foundation Associate Director for Mission Rev. Doug Stewart had the privilege of experiencing the healing power of community during the Sunday of Nowruz weekend at the Iranian Church of Brussels.
Worship brought smiles, hugs, and tears. God’s Holy Word was shared, expressing the theme of Unity and Hope from Ephesians 4:1-6. Words of encouragement to “hold on to each other as you hold on to Christ” seemed to resonate. The church family lingered over dinner and conversation, looking forward to a New Day, when all their respective families will gather again in the land they love with the people they love.
The Outreach Foundation and our network of more than 200 congregations across the United States are continuing to pray for our Iranian brothers and sisters. They have told us they take great comfort in knowing they have not been forgotten. As conflict tears their homeland apart, we can hold fast to each other and to the knowledge of God’s almighty love and power. We ask you to continue to be in prayer with us and to share this update with your loved ones and church family.
Members of the Iranian Church of Brussels gathered for a photo during their Nowruz celebration.
THE OPPORTUNITY
These stories and experiences are not ones you will find anywhere else. The Outreach Foundation and our partners work hard to bring you the humanity behind the frightening headlines. When the conflict ends, our partners will act to bring relief to the country – but it won’t be possible without your gifts.
You may make a gift by sending a check to the address below with the partner name “Elam Awakening” in the memo or you can donate on the GIVE page of our website www.theoutreachfoundation.org by selecting “Elam Awakening” from the drop-down menu.
