A Minister in Training 

Sara’s Testimony 

We are excited to introduce Sara, one of the newest full-time staff members serving with ICI. After completing her Master’s degree at the top of her class and finishing a three-year program in just one year, Sara has dedicated her life to the Lord’s work. Today, she is training for ministry and boldly sharing the Gospel. The following is one of the testimonies she shared with us, written in her own words: 

“My friendship with my close friend Diana goes back 15 years. Over time, as I visited their home often, I grew very close to her family; and her sister, Tanaz, became even closer to me than Diana was. Tanaz is the eldest of three siblings and grew up in a deeply dysfunctional household. Her father, a strict Muslim from India, severely abused her Iranian mother. When Tanaz was only six years old, her mother escaped the country to flee from her abusive husband. From that point on, Tanaz was forced to take care of her younger brother and sister. She could not attend school, so she taught herself to read and write at home. Meanwhile, her father lost everything to gambling and was in and out of prison for smuggling goods into Iran.

At just 15 years old, Tanaz was forced into an unwanted engagement with a relative. Because of the constant anxiety and stress she endured, Tanaz’s health began to collapse. She suffered seizures so severe that four times, while asleep, her blood pressure dropped dangerously low and she fell into a coma, yet miraculously, she always woke up after a few days. In 2022, her life took another devastating turn. After multiple scans and tests, neurologists diagnosed her with a brain tumor. At only 27 years old, Tanaz, who had spent her life sacrificing for others, now faced a disease that doctors gave little hope she would survive. For months, her home was filled with despair. She abandoned her wedding preparations and locked herself away in hopelessness.

For three years she underwent treatments that brought extreme financial strain. Her fiancé, a strict Muslim, forbade her from working to help with expenses, and his small military income could not cover her care. Occasionally, her sister and I helped financially, but her treatment was so specialized and expensive that it was never enough. During this same time, I myself heard the Gospel and became a believer in Christ. Whatever I learned in church, I shared with Tanaz whenever I could. She listened but hesitated to put her trust in Jesus for healing. After months of planting seeds in her heart, one day I told her, ‘You’ve tried everything to be healed. Give Jesus a chance to prove Himself to you. He raised the dead; removing your brain tumor would be nothing for Him.’ Finally, Tanaz surrendered and said, ‘Alright! I have nothing left to lose. But, if prophet Jesus truly raised the dead, I believe He can also heal me.’ That Friday night, September 5, 2025, I prayed with her for healing and asked if she wanted to accept Jesus as her Lord and Savior. She said yes!

Two days later, on Sunday, September 7, Tanaz had another brain scan appointment. The test lasted about an hour. When she received the results, she immediately called me. Her voice shook with excitement, ‘Sara, I can’t believe what my doctor just told me! He said there is no trace of a tumor in my brain. My doctor told me, ‘It’s as if it was never there! This is so strange. I don’t understand how your treatment worked so powerfully in such a short time.’ Being a reserved girl, Tanaz replied with courage, “If your treatment was going to heal me, it would have done so long ago. It was Jesus Christ who healed me.”

This was the beginning of a new life. As far back as I can remember, Tanaz had always been a quiet and reserved person, rarely speaking to others. But, after experiencing the miraculous healing of Jesus, she found the boldness to tell her doctor and everyone else what the Lord had done. Today, Tanaz is passionately devoted to her relationship with Jesus Christ. She grew up in a household where men heavily restricted her, but now she proclaims with freedom and joy that Jesus has set her free and healed her completely.”

This story not only testifies of Christ’s healing power but also shows how God is already using Sara, a minister in training, to bring hope and salvation to the broken. 

Summer Outreach Testimony Report 

This summer, by the grace of God, our mission outreach was a tremendous success. With a team of 22 dedicated believers divided into four groups, we boldly shared the Gospel among Iranian Muslims in a neighboring country of Iran. 

IMPACT IN NUMBERS 

1,200 gift packages distributed (Bible, Gospel tract, SD card w/ Jesus film & What is Christianity book).

208 recorded decisions for Christ.

2 Muslim converts were baptized in water.

4 new team members joined and received hands-on evangelism training.

HIGHLIGHTS & TESTIMONIES 

Our team wore t-shirts printed with “Taste and See that the Lord is Good” (Psalm 34:8). A couple of Muslims approached us after simply reading the words on our shirts, asked questions, and joyfully accepted the Gospel. 

Beyond evangelism, discipleship was central. Every single day Brother Mohamad taught for an hour. 

We not only introduced new members to practical ministry but also began walking alongside new believers in their first steps of faith. 

TRAINING & DISCIPLESHIP 

Raising new workers for the harvest continues to be one of the greatest fruits of these trips. The four new members who joined us this summer are now being discipled and trained as evangelists, multiplying the impact of this mission beyond a single outreach. When new believers receive hands-on evangelism training and see God use them to genuinely lead someone to salvation, it does something in them that changes them forever. 

Since 2018, our teams have faithfully traveled to neighboring countries of Iran, placing thousands of Bibles, tracts, SD cards, and other Christian resources directly into the hands of Iranian tourists. The impact has been so significant that the Iranian government has responded by installing warning signs and banners at the very ports of entry and exit-border crossings and airports-where Iranians travel. These signs read: “Dear Iranian tourist compatriots. Evangelical Christians are waiting in ambush to attack your beliefs. Do not accept anything they are handing you, such as Bibles, tracts, flash drives, SD cards, and addresses on social media. If you have gotten anything from them already, discard them here in this trash can.” 

Amazingly, even the warnings of the authorities are evidence that the Gospel is advancing and reaching the people of Iran. Despite challenges and the security risks of working among Muslims, God’s hand was upon our teams. Lives were transformed, and His Word went forth with power. We are deeply grateful for the prayers and support that made this possible. The Gospel is advancing, and we continue to press on with the Great Commission. 

One afternoon, after we filled our bags with Bibles, my team headed toward my favorite spot for evangelism: a Catholic church that is a popular tourist attraction. Many Iranians come to admire the old paintings of Jesus, the biblical themes, and the beautiful architecture of the ancient cathedral. Many of these Muslims also light candles in an act of devotion, hoping this will bring an answer to a prayer or a need they have. In the front yard of that church, I usually approach Muslim visitors by saying, “I see you have come to see a church. Don’t you want to know what Christianity is about? What Jesus has said or done for you? Here is a free gift from our church. It is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.” 

Some receive it openly while others do not. But if we don’t try, how would we know? I’ve seen people kiss the Bible, press it to their hearts, and say, “Thank you! We have been looking for one for many years but were never able to get our hands on it.” Others even try to kiss my hands as a sign of deep respect and humility, part of the Middle Eastern culture for giving them such a gift. 

That day, as we walked toward the church, I prayed while our eyes were fixed on the cobblestone road, “Lord, I pray for divine appointments today. Whoever is seeking You, put them in our path. Whoever You have revealed Yourself to, reveal them to us. Thank You, Lord, for divine appointments today. Thank You for giving us the utterance to boldly share the good news of the Gospel. In Jesus’ name, and if you agree, say amen.” “AMEN,” my team responded. As soon as we lifted our eyes after the prayer, right in front of us was an Iranian couple fighting loudly. They were arguing so much that I felt intimidated to approach them and offer a Bible. We had just prayed, but I wasn’t sure I liked how God answered. The answer wasn’t what I expected. But thank God for Sister Hamideh, who wasn’t shaken the way I was. She walked straight up to them and, in the middle of their quarrel, said, “Spouse fights are the sugar of life.” Such a random thing to say to strangers. The couple looked at her like, what in the world? But, before they could respond, Hamideh continued, “We have a gift for you… here you are!” The wife asked, “What is this? What is in it?” and went ahead and opened it. Suddenly she smiled with excitement and said, “I was just inside the church asking God, ‘How can I become a Christian? How do people get baptized?’ And then you guys showed up.” From fighting to this – can you believe it? After a few minutes of conversation, they asked if they could be baptized. The wife was very pregnant. I asked, “How far along are you in this pregnancy?” She answered, “Over eight months.” I said, “Are you sure you want to do this now?” She said, “Yes.” 

I explained that they would need to bring an extra set of clothes and a towel. They told us they needed to go to their hotel to get them. I gave them a meeting spot for when they were ready. We exchanged phone numbers and left.

When they returned, they brought another woman with them – the wife’s sister. She introduced herself and said, “We own a restaurant. My husband’s name is…” As soon as she told us, we knew exactly who they were. Her husband was a well-known social media influencer with over a million followers, famous for his wild, Viking-like appearance. The sister came because they didn’t trust us. She said, “I don’t know who you are.” When I explained, she was relieved and started calling me “Father!”

Hamideh and I then took them to a place where we could baptize them. I was nervous and silently prayed, “God, please, I don’t want to deliver her baby in the pool. Have mercy on me.” A genuine prayer I prayed. 

It took us about 30 minutes to reach the spot, and along the way I shared with them about the meaning and significance of water baptism, also connecting them to our church for discipleship. When we arrived, I baptized both husband and wife. Both sisters were in tears of joy. The presence of God was so tangible, the peace of God filled the place. The couple who had been fighting earlier were now filled with a supernatural peace. 

The woman’s sister turned to me and said, “Father, you have served my family today. I have a restaurant here in the city, and I want to serve you back. You and your team are our guests this evening for a Persian meal.” That evening, when we arrived at their restaurant, they served us as royalty. We enjoyed a feast of Persian cuisine with several kinds of delicious dishes. We left full of both the joy of the Lord and Persian food. What could be better? The very next day, the sister called us with more news: her pregnant sister had given birth. I had missed it by an inch. Welcome to the world of our ministry. 

EXPANSION from Persecution 

Vahid was born in the city of Shush (the biblical Susa), Iran, during the Iran-Iraq war. Raised in a Muslim family, Islam was not just a religion but a way of life. From his earliest years, he grew up surrounded by Islamic practices: the daily call to prayer, his parents’ devotion, and his father’s military discipline deeply shaped him. 

As he entered school, Islamic teachings became central to his life. The Quran was recited daily, and group prayers with classmates and teachers were the norm. By age ten, he was already praying regularly and attending the mosque, partly because he loved his father and wanted to make him proud. But as he grew older, cracks began to appear in his beliefs. He saw hypocrisy in those who taught him Islam but did not live it. He also witnessed public executions, violence, and the mistreatment of women.

Despite this, he pressed on, fasting and practicing his faith – though he still felt an emptiness inside. 

By nineteen, he was overwhelmed with despair, believing he could never please Allah. He attempted suicide twice, fell deeper into depression, and eventually into drug addiction. Though he managed to 

quit drugs in rehab, his inner turmoil remained. Out of desperation to fix the emptiness, he also explored Islamic mysticism and Dervish practices, but they too were empty.

Everything changed when he met a Christian named M through the rehab program, who invited him to a home church. There, he began reading the Bible and for the first time, God’s Word spoke to him in a way nothing else ever had. After months of searching, at the age of 22, Vahid surrendered his life to Jesus Christ. His transformation was radical. He felt freed from the oppressive religious rules of Islam and, for the first time, experienced true peace and acceptance. When he read the parable of the prodigal son in Luke 15, he saw his own story: God had welcomed him without judgment, just as the father embraced his lost son. Vahid’s new faith quickly led to bold evangelism. He began printing and distributing Christian literature inside Iran. His evangelical activities made him a target. Eventually, the head of his province’s intelligence agency threatened to shoot him in the knees to paralyze him for life if he didn’t stop. Forced to flee, Vahid spent seven long years in Turkey seeking asylum – which was continually denied by Muslim officials hostile to converts from Islam. After being denied the third time, he was considered an illegal, with no rights or protection. 

With no future in Turkey and no possibility of returning to his home country Iran, he attempted to smuggle himself into Greece in 2024. On the way, he was arrested and thrown into a filthy, overcrowded prison. Vahid collapsed, possibly from a stroke, and half his body became paralyzed. Instead of helping him, guards kicked him in the head and accused him of faking. Only later did they realize he was at the point of death. 

Eventually, Turkish authorities – afraid of the consequences – released him on the condition that someone purchased a ticket for him to leave the country. The only nation that would accept him before deportation back to Iran was Armenia. What at first felt like an unwanted exile became the very doorway God used to expand His Kingdom. Today, Brother Vahid serves as ICI’s lead evangelist from Armenia. In just the past year, God has used him powerfully: 

Salvations: 337 

New Testaments distributed: 12,084 

Full Bibles distributed: 111 

Baptisms: 5 

Father’s Love Letter tracts printed & distributed: 7,152 

Evangelistic booklets printed & distributed: His Name is Wonderful – 824; How Can We Know God? – 500 

Cities reached across Iran: Sirjan, Yazd, Nowshahr, Royan, Sari, Kermanshah, Varamin, Mehran, Qom, Karaj, Ardabil, Urmia, Tehran, Khorramabad, Shahr-e Kord, Baqershahr, Gorgan, Kerman, Rasht, Mazandaran, Golestan, Khuzestan, Zanjan 

What began as persecution and rejection has turned into multiplication. The Kingdom has advanced into places that seemed unreachable, and countless souls now hold God’s Word in their hands because of this “compulsory expansion.” And now, the work is growing even further. Other believers – many who, like Vahid, were denied asylum in Turkey and left without a home – are now joining him in Armenia. Together, they are strengthening one another, pressing forward, and reaching more Iranians than ever before with the hope of Christ. 

Our Partners Fuel the Advancement of the Gospel Among Muslims 

These past months have been some of the busiest and most fruitful in the history of our ministry. The underground church is growing faster than ever. More books are being translated, printed, and distributed to equip believers inside Iran. Television programs are being translated to reach Persian-speaking homes. Social media outreach is penetrating deeper into Iran than we have ever seen. 

At the same time, persecution against believers has intensified. In the wake of the 12-day Iran-Israel war, Christians are being branded as “Zionist Spies.” Advocacy on their behalf has become more urgent than ever. Even in this climate, God is moving powerfully. Brother Mohamad has kept a full schedule here in the U.S., teaching at Charis Bible College, training churches on how to evangelize Muslims in the West, and traveling internationally to encourage believers and oversee Bible distribution efforts.

This December, we are hosting two strategic conferences in neighboring countries of Iran. These gatherings will bring Iranian believers out of Iran for discipleship, equipping, and preparation to plant churches.

We could not do this without you. Your generosity is well pleasing to God and is the fuel that keeps this shared mission pressing forward. As the doors remain open, we are committed to walking through them boldly. 

“…now that I have received from Epaphroditus the gifts you sent. They are a fragrant offering, an acceptable sacrifice, pleasing to God.” – Philippians 4:18 

Together, we are seeing the expansion of God’s Kingdom – born out of persecution, yet unstoppable…

With Love, 

Mohamad Amin & Susan Faridi