These days, tears and smiles walk hand in hand.
Our hearts ache, yet we hold our heads high.
My people are standing against oppression—
And I breathe between sorrow and pride,
Trusting that God’s light still shines
In the darkest streets of my homeland.
Dariush Golbaghi, “My New Song”
Something inside the heart of Iran is blooming that many prayed and hoped for decades: freedom. Yet we are in awe of how quickly the reel is spinning. Despite the regime darkening internet and cell phones, videos are sending the songs of Iranians from inside to the world — a free country is being birthed before our eyes.
Biblical prophecy teaches us about God’s plan for the judgment and restoration of the ancient city of Elam. Situated in modern-day Iran, it was a region of significant cultural and political influence. In Jeremiah 49:36 God declares “I will bring against Elam the four winds from the four quarters of heaven; I will scatter them to the four winds, and there will not be a nation where Elam’s exiles do not go.” God continues in verses 38-39 “I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials… Yet I will restore the fortunes of Elam in days to come.”
Friends, the time is coming for the scattered people, the descendants of Elam, to return home.
From our partners we see jaw dropping videos. In Tehran drums are beating as people hold up pictures of Crown Prince Pahlavi. Throngs, perhaps a million or more, are marching in Masshad, Iran’s second largest city, a holy Shiite place chanting “Freedom” and “Iran.” A believing woman leans out of her balcony taking a video of people — Muslims and believers alike — marching on the streets of her city.
Yes, the darkness is real, and people are being met with strict measures. Today, though, it seems the fear that once held people in place no longer grips their feet, their voices. Hundreds have been arrested and dozens killed by government security agents. Still, they are singing loudly again, and freedom seems near.
A group of people, including friend of The Outreach Foundation and Director of SafeHouse Ministries Dariush, advocate for freedom for all Iranian people during a January 2026 rally in The Netherlands.
Sasan, our mission specialist for Iran, tells us “This is significant. This is the first time that Iranians have all rallied around one opposition figure and they are no longer afraid of the Islamic regime.” Sasan is a pragmatic insider and his voice is trusted by many. He is seeing and hearing things he has not experienced since the late 1970’s. He is assuring us that this time it’s different and it’s time to be ready for major transformation that will need us.
So what can we do?
The Outreach Foundation is uniquely positioned to be on the ground floor of Christians shining the light of Christ into a free Iran. First, let’s pray. As the regime falls (we don’t know exactly when), the one leader who has emerged with majority support and enthusiasm behind him is Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi. He has signaled great support for the Christian minority. We must pray for stability, peaceful transition, and for the new leadership.
Second, let’s fuel what is to come. Plans are already in place to begin the long healing process that will happen in Jesus’s name. Churches will be reopened. Worshippers will flood churches including historic Presbyterian churches and pour into the streets. Pastors we know will lead these services. Christians imprisoned for their faith will be released. Families will be reunited. House churches will spring from their dark recesses to sing praises to the Lord in parks and in squares. And our partners will be at the very center of it all!
We are listening closely to our partners who have direct ties to this region. We are relying on them to guide us as to an appropriate time to begin collecting gifts to help fulfill Jeremiah's prophecy to see a restored Iran. In the meantime, please sign up for our mailing list or follow us on Facebook to see updates from our partners as they come in.
Today, after the demonstration in The Hague in support of the people of Iran, Hadi and I separated from the group as we were heading home. On our way back, a woman approached us and suddenly began to cry. She said, “I need to talk to you. I haven’t heard from my family in Iran for several days.”