Precious gold from a Middle-Eastern furnace

PERSIAN VOICES
The stories of Iranian Christians seeking refuge in the UK
https://persian-voices.com/

This book, which you can only read on the persian-voices.com website, could have been entitled ‘Gold from the furnace’, or ‘From horrors to heaven’.

We all know about the harsh regime in Iran, how so many efforts to regain basic freedoms have been harshly oppressed. We know that many in desperation flee their home country and come to the UK. So this wonderful series of real life stories is a joy to read.

You meet 13 people who were very lost and who found Christ. Some were converted while in Iran, some started searching back home but only really learnt about Jesus when they arrived here. And others knew nothing about the Saviour until they met Christians in the UK who cared.

Escaping from repression on foot, by lorry, or by plane, each journey is different and fascinating. Likewise their spiritual journeys vary, but are great to read. Here is a flavour:

‘I was shocked to find that the book spoke about a man called Jesus who died for our salvation’… ‘The police had come to the house on Sunday and turned it upside down. They had searched my room and found my Bible’… ‘our friend had been interrogated and beaten, and that the police had eventually beaten him to death’… ‘For the next stage of the journey, we were put into the back of a lorry along with five or six other travellers, having no idea where we would end up’… ‘Don’t talk to me about religion. I left Iran because of religion. All the problems in my life have stemmed from religion’… ‘Something stirred in my heart as I watched the worship in that church. For the first time, I saw that religion could be about a real relationship with God’… ‘As I listened to the preaching week by week, my heart was touched and softened. I found comfort in believing that all of my life and every circumstance was in God’s hands. I was given a Farsi Bible of my own to read’… ‘I have been overwhelmed by the welcome and the kindness of my Iranian brothers and sisters in the church, and also by the British church members, who are helping me to grow in my faith’…

I came away from reading with a greater understanding of the backstory of many refugee arrivals. I also saw the various ways Christians and churches made contact and shared the love of Jesus. I got a new appreciation of some of the issues Muslims can face in the Middle East, and as they begin to explore the faith of the Bible. But above all, I was thrilled with seeing God at work. I am told more Iranians are turning to Christ than ever before: this book makes that miracle personal.