VOM: IRAN'S REPRESSION AN ENERGIZER FOR CHRISTIAN CONVERSIONS AMONG MUSLIMS

By Allie Martin
July 25, 2006

(AgapePress) - The president of Voice of the Martyrs (VOM) says Iran is not only a hotbed for terrorist activity, but also hosts the fastest growing Muslim movement in the world -- Muslims converting to Christianity.

The government in Iran, says the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom, "engages in systematic, ongoing, and egregious violations of religious freedom, including prolonged detention, torture, and executions based primarily or entirely upon the religion of the accused." The report continues, noting that Christians in Iran "continue to be subject to harassment, arrests, close surveillance, and imprisonment" and "many are reported to have fled the country."

In his new book Iran: Desperate for God, VOM president Tom White features seven Iranian Christian converts from Islam who tell their stories of life in a nation ranked among the top persecutors of Christians worldwide. White says one of the most oppressive terrorist nations on Earth cannot stop the gospel from spreading.

"We all talk about what's the answer for terrorism and problems. This is about one of the youngest nations in the world -- some 70 percent are under 30 years old -- and about their turning to Christ," he says. According to White, the numbers of conversions being reported are "massive."

"We've met with Iranians in several countries across Europe, we've met with Iranians in Iran, and when they encounter the love of Christ or forgiveness, which is alien to their beliefs -- especially the radical Islamic approach in Iran -- they are amazed and curious about Christ," the author shares.

The growth in Christian believers in the Muslim-dominated Middle Eastern country is occurring despite a hardline Muslim president and his close circle of terror-backing supporters. White calls attention to one particular group in Iran.

"The real danger -- if you will, political-military danger -- is the Supreme Council or council of mullahs," he says. "One's name is Mesbah-Yazdi, called 'Professor Crocodile.' He is the one calling for suicide bombings. And this council of white-bearded mullahs are the ones who really control the nation."

It is estimated that 500 to 600 Muslims are converting to Christianity every month in Iran -- a country ranked among the top ten persecutors of Christians in the world.