Revival in Iran: "I want to be a Christian"

Revival in Iran: 'I Want to Be a Christian' [Excerpts]

When we think of Iran, scenes of mobs shouting "death to America," blindfolded hostages, and radical leaders demanding nuclear technology come to mind. But there's another side of the country: Iranians who love America, Israel, and Jesus Christ, reports [the Iranian Christian News Agency].

CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief Chris Mitchell met and talked with some of these Iranian believers outside of their country in central Turkey.

When someone gets baptized in this house church, people clap and cheer like fans at a World Cup match. While they've suffered persecution and often fled for their [lives], they still possess an infectious and joyous faith like Iranian believer Raizal.

"Growing up I wanted to say I grew up [with] Jesus Christ," Raizal told CBN News. "Every time, His name was in my mind. And the next moment I started liking Christianity."

"It was really sweet to me, the feelings, the stories, everything. So by the time I was 15, I believed in Him and I said I want to be a Christian," he said.

Many Iranian refugees have fled Iran and come here to Turkey where they can seek refugee status with the United Nations. Some say it's just like coming out of the darkness.

"[It's] totally different from Iran," Iranian Christian Afshin told CBN News. "I can privilege [speak about] God's Word to other guys. I can freely praise the Lord. I can easily go to church. It's completely different."

Afshin attended the church led by American Pastor Saeed Abedini, who is still languishing in an Iranian prison after nearly two years.

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