By Joni B. Hanigan, Special to the Message *Name changed for security purposes. BAGHDAD, Iraq (LBM) --*Pastor Amed knew when the sharp cracking sounds of bullets striking cement and metal turned into even louder explosions, tensions simmering in Baghdad for over a month had reached the boiling point. Black smoke rising from the Green Zone and shouting and cheering in the streets meant either the Iran-backed militias were pushing against the continued American presence in Iraq -- or Iraqi Security Forces were again attacking protestors critical of Iran’s influence in Iraq’s government. Later, he learned the explosions were part of Iran’s response to the killing of Qasem Soleimani, a major general who commanded the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps division that has targeted U.S. troops and U.S. allies. Communicating through a social media link, Amed said the situation is very tense and he and his family must remain inside their home at all times. “We don’t know what will happen,” he said. “We thank our God for everything,” he said. “We believe our God will protect us.” In Iraq, where an estimated 200,000 Christians remain as compared to the 1.3 million who resided there in 2003, there is a lot … [Read more...]

By Joni B. Hanigan, Special to the Message *Name changed for security purposes. TEHRAN, Iran (LBM)—A mix of protestors in Iran’s streets the last few weeks, some demonstrating against America and others condemning Iran’s leaders, has obscured what could be an even greater newsworthy event in recent history than political unrest or military action – the explosive growth of Christianity in the country during the past several years. A YOUTH MOVEMENT The Christian population in Iran is “flourishing” according to *Pastor Sam who has traveled in the country extensively and now works with Iranian immigrants to America. He did not offer a numerical description of the spiritual movement, but various nongovernmental organizations and ministry groups have pegged the size of Christianity as between 500,000 and 1 million adherents, with one estimate as high as 3 million converts, and another as low as 300,000. These competing figures compare to the presence of a mere 500 Christians in the country in 1979 when religious hardliners overthrew the 2,500-year-old monarchy form of government in order to establish an Islamic republic in its place. According to ministry experts, the growth of Christianity among Iranians appears to … [Read more...]