The Imminent Iran Crisis
The roots of Lutheran Mideast Development grew in what is now Iran. When our team first arrived in 1911, this was still known as Persia. Working in what is now Mahabad, they developed important relationships with Kurdish families that would go on to shape history. Their goal, however, was to teach and heal, opening the area's first hospital and Kurdish-language primary schools. None of this was with a nationalistic agenda, rather their motivation was humanitarian and based on the non-political and human-focused examples of Jesus.
This work continued through many upheavals—wars, revolutions and displacement, with the final work on Iranian soil ending with overthrow of Shah Mohammad Reza Pahlavi’s U.S.-backed monarchy and the ascent of the Islamic Republic led by Ayatollah Khomeini.
We still have a deep connection to the people of Iran and long to see them live free of not just oppression, but free also of any ideology that would keep them from living fully as humans in the image of God.
As conflict between the powers of this present darkness stand on the brink of further destruction and misery in this great land, we can only pray and stand ready to provide healing and comfort.
Please join with us in praying and working for the ordinary people, families, children, women, and men, who only want to live, worship, and express themselves according to their God-given conscience.
If you'd like to read a little more about our history in Iran:
And for our Sorani speaking friends, you may enjoy this video:
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