Jesus Speaks Farsi

In this episode, Chrissy speaks with Keyvan Separ, Elam’s Training Director, about the character of the Iranian church, and how believers have embodied the love of Christ throughout the trials and suffering of this year. In this time of conflict, your prayers are needed more than ever. Download the Iran 30 prayer app today through your App Store or visit elam.com/pray-for-iran-app Send us Fan Mail...

In this episode, Joe speaks with Niloofar, a member of the Worship team, about how Iranians are learning and experiencing worship in new ways during these days of war and suffering. In this time of war, your prayers are needed more than ever. Download the Iran 30 prayer app today through your App Store or visit elam.com/pray-for-iran-app Watch the live-streamed worship events Niloofar mentioned: ...

In this episode, Chrissy speaks with David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries, about the war in Iran and powerful testimonies from the Church living through darkness today.   In this critical moment, your prayers matter more than ever. Download the Iran 30 Prayer App to pray for Iran with daily updates, real testimonies, and guided prayer points. Download here: https://elam.com/pray-...

In January 2026, Iran faced one of the most violent episodes in its recent history. Thousands were killed, and the nation was left grieving, after the government cracked down with unspeakable brutality on a widespread protest movement. Yet in the midst of suffering, the underground church has responded with prayer, compassion, and hope. Joe Connor speaks with Asrin Yousefi about how believers are...

As unrest spreads across Iran, many voices fill the news — but as believers, our response is rooted in faith and prayer. In this message, we reflect on how Christians are called to respond in times of uncertainty: trusting in God’s sovereignty, standing firm in prayer, and interceding for peace, wisdom, and salvation. We believe that prayer makes a difference, and we invite you to stand with us as...

In this episode, Joe has an astonishing conversation with Behrang, who explains how he went from a devout Muslim in Iran to a powerful minister of the Gospel because of an incredible face-to-face encounter with Jesus Christ. So much of his story is about the impact of prayer on his life, and we truly believe that your prayers have impact too. Find more ways to pray for Iranians by visiting elam.co...

Thank you for joining us for this bonus episode of Jesus Speaks Farsi . In this episode we’re sharing a very special message that our friend Sara shared at Lifted, a global online youth event.  Join us to hear Sara share her testimony, experience of prison and persecution, and the truth that the Lord spoke to her in her darkest moments. We know you’ll find it encouraging. This excerpt comes from L...

In this episode, we’re celebrating 35 years of ministry at Elam. By God’s grace we have seen the church in the Iran region grow and flourish, despite government opposition and persecution. Although Iranian Christians suffer for their faith, they are passionate in sharing the Word and love of Jesus Christ with those around them. We at Elam are filled with gratitude for the role God has given us to...

In this episode, we’re wrapping up the most recent season of the podcast. Chrissy and Joe get together to chat about conversations with David and Keyvan about the “Send Hope Back Home” initiative. Breaking down the three simple steps of the program, they reflect on the importance of evangelism, the joy of discipleship, and the hope of fellowship. For more information about “Send Hope Back Home” an...

In the fourth episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step three of Send Hope Back Home: helping believers gather for fellowship.  Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they share about the power of in-person fellowship. Despite the risks, Iranians long to gather together to worship, fellowship, and be discipled. Using Elam’s...

In the third episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step two of Send Hope Back Home: discipling new believers. Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they share the heart and mission behind the ‘Safar’ discipleship journey and how intentional healthy discipleship can transform not only individuals and their faith journeys, bu...

In the second episode of this series, Chrissy and Joe dive into step one of Send Hope Back Home: sharing the Gospel.   Hear more from Elam’s executive director, David Yeghnazar, and training team leader, Keyvan Separ as they discuss why Iranians are so desperate for the Bible despite the danger, and how the Word of God is transforming the nation.   Discover how this movement could mobilize thousan...

In this first episode of Send Hope Back Home, Chrissy sits down with Elam’s Executive Director, David Yeghnazar, and Head of Training, Keyvan Separ, to reveal the vision behind this powerful initiative. You’ll hear why this is a crucial moment for Iranians around the world to share the hope of Jesus with family and friends back home. David and Keyvan share moving testimonies — including Keyvan’s o...

In this bonus episode, Elam’s Executive Director, David Yeghnazar, shares how the Iranian church has been responding to the recent conflict with Israel. You will hear encouraging stories and prayer needs for Iranian Christians at this critical time. Join us in praying for Iran’s church using free prayer resources at www.elam.com/pray-for-iran and by signing up to our regular prayer updates at www....

In today’s episode, Dara Lynn has a conversation with Magda to hear a significant update to Magda’s story. She shares about a recent answer to prayer that has been 21 years in the making. To hear Magda’s full testimony, please go back to her episode from May 10th, “A Hard and Faithful Choice."   For more information about the recent history and incredible growth of the Iranian church, please...

In this episode, we’re wrapping up the most recent season of the podcast. Jennifer, Chrissy and Dara Lynn get together to chat about conversations with David, Bahar, Samuel and Sara, and Shahrokh. They discuss how God is using ordinary, even unlikely, people to impact the church in extraordinary ways. So, grab a cup of tea and join us for another episode of Chai time on Jesus Speaks Farsi . For mo...

In today’s episode, Chrissy and Dara Lynn chat with Shahrokh, continuing the ongoing conversation about how everyone, even the most unlikely person, has a part to play in the growth of the church. In this fourth episode of our series, “Everyone Gets to Play,” they discuss how Christian Afghans are having an unexpected impact on the Persian-speaking church. For more information about the recent his...

In today’s episode, Chrissy chats with Samuel and Sara Nielsen to continue the conversation about our latest series  “Everyone Gets to Play.” In this third episode of the series, we talk about how God is moving in the hearts of Persian-speaking teenagers. More and more young people in the Iran region are experiencing life transformation through Christ and they are increasingly excited to tell thei...

In today’s episode, Jennifer and Chrissy have a conversation with Bahar Shahabi, to talk further about our latest series on the podcast, “Everyone Gets to Play.” In this second episode of the series, we discuss how as Persian-speaking women meet Jesus, their passion for sharing Him with others is having a significant impact on the growth of the church. For more information about the recent history...

In today’s episode, Dara Lynn and Jennifer have a conversation with David Yeghnazar, Executive Director of Elam Ministries, to talk about our latest series on the podcast, “Everyone Gets to Play.” In this first episode of the series, they discuss how, in God’s kingdom, everyone has a part to play and often the most unlikely people are helping to grow the church in remarkable ways. For more informa...

In this episode, we’re wrapping up the most recent season of the podcast. Jennifer and Dara Lynn get together to chat about compelling conversations with Magda, Kenneth, Amir, and Tom. They discuss what it looks like when people say yes to Jesus, despite difficult consequences - and how stories like these can encourage the wider church. So, grab a cup of tea and join us for another episode of Chai...

In today’s episode, Dara Lynn and Jenn chat with Kenneth Kuhn, the leader of Elam’s Europe team. Kenneth shares about his journey into ministry from growing up in Denmark as the son of a pastor to becoming one himself, as well as his experience of working with Iranian and Afghan refugees in Europe. Throughout his story, Kenneth gives helpful insights into the challenges of cross-cultural ministry...

In today’s episode, Chrissy and Dara Lynn have a conversation with Amir, a young Iranian man currently living in North America. Amir shares about his experience of growing up in a Christian family in Iran, becoming a refugee in Turkey for 9 years, and finally, being resettled in Canada.  Amir’s story gives helpful insight into what life as a refugee, particularly a Christian refugee, can look like...

In today’s episode, Chrissy and Hannah have a conversation with our resident historian Tom Hawksley on the story of Iran’s church through the ages. They also explore why so many Iranians are responding to the Gospel in recent decades. Tom, a British missionary, has served the Iranian church for 40 years alongside his Iranian wife Mojdeh, who serves in women’s ministry to Persian-speaking women. If...

As we kickstart the podcast back into a new season, this first episode features a conversation with Magda, an Iranian woman who works in ministry to Persian-speaking women. From all the stories we’ve shared on this podcast, we know that persecution is a very real threat for Christians inside Iran, but we can mistakenly think that that only means the threat of prison and arrest. Today, we’ll hear h...