A father wanders for several blocks peering into black body bags lying half-zipped on both sides of a street in Iran. “Sepehr,” he calls over and over, “I’ve come to take you home.” His sobs join a chorus of others as he enters a large warehouse building – the cement floor is covered in rows and rows of black bags. Blood stains the floor where bodies have been dragged. For 12 heartbreaking minutes, this loving father records his search for Sepehr. He looks at every face that stares blankly back at him. He does not find his son.

That video was sent to us this week, smuggled covertly out of the country where electricity and internet access have been cut. Our partners wanted us to see it – to describe it to you – so that we can bear witness to the atrocities that are happening within Iran.

A still image from a smuggled video: A man overwhelmed by grief clutches his chest on a city street in Iran. Behind him people search for the bodies of loved ones killed in the protests.

From other parts of the world, our partners shared photos they took during peaceful protests – displaced Iranians smile and wave flags from their homeland as they take a brave and vocal stand against the oppressive regime of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Our U.S.-based Iranian partners have been busy creating and sharing passionate multi-lingual videos as they fearlessly reveal the atrocities happening within Iran. Our partners tell us they’ve heard from friends inside the country who have been blinded or have loved ones who have been killed. They are pleading for us not to forget them.

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, because the Bible is clear: when the government persecutes instead of protects its people, we as Christians cannot stay neutral.

For a month, the people inside Iran have stood up, fought back, and are ready to reclaim their freedoms that have been stripped away. Information leaking out of the country is sparse – the number of those killed and arrested is hard to verify. Human rights watch groups and news agencies report that anywhere from 6,200 to more than 36,000 people have been killed in the government crackdown against protesters.

And friends, we want to echo that to you. We have hope the prophecy of the restoration of Elam as foretold by Jeremiah will soon come to pass. So, now is the time for us to step in. We help continue the mission’s momentum and energy. We are called to help sustain our brothers and sisters in Christ as they endure these trials, and for the rebuilding that is to come. With more than 45 years of experience and Iranian partners across the globe, The Outreach Foundation is perfectly positioned to fuel recovery when the regime falls – because our partners say it’s not “if” it falls – it’s now only a matter of when.

THE OPPORTUNITY

So what immediate action can we take to support our Iranian siblings?

We must pray publicly for justice and accountability. We must pray for the thousands of people who have been killed in this conflict and their families. We must advocate for safety and basic human rights for every Iranian.

We must act now to anticipate their needs when the regime does finally end, and the prophet Jeremiah’s Godly vision comes to pass. Our Persian Diaspora partners are equipped to lead this effort. What they need are gifts from their brothers and sisters in Christ so they can prepare and be ready to act. These necessary preparations are varied – basic needs like food, shelter, and trauma and medical care; connective worship and community rebuilding; digital evangelism, online and in-person leadership training and access, distribution of Farsi language Bibles and discipleship materials – the list goes on and on.

It’s reported that more than 42,300 people have been arrested. Our partners and friends who have deep roots in Iran tell us although revolts have happened before, this time feels different. The people are united in their fervor and their fury. There is hope.

The people of Iran are ready. Our partners are ready. The Outreach Foundation team is ready – so now we turn to you. Are you ready?

You may make a gift by sending a check to the address below with “Elam Awakening” in the memo or you can donate on our website.