Musical worship is deeply rooted in the Christian faith. However, for most of Iran’s new believers, expressing devotion through music is a new experience. In the religion they left behind, there is no singing.  

What a privilege it is to help Iranians enter the presence of God through worship.  

Through Instagram, Telegram, and satellite TV, Iranians in the diaspora are sharing content to help believers in Iran learn to worship. Elam’s “Time for Worship” show is very popular, reaching tens of thousands, as is the work of Gilbert Hovsepian, the son of the martyred Bishop Haik Hovsepian-Mehr. The programs attract not only believers, but also non-believers who are intrigued. Many journeys to faith have started thanks to Persian worship shared online and via satellite.  

Today, as millions of Iranians grieve following the massacres that rocked their nation, and as they continue to worry about the future amid ongoing war, believers are clinging to worship. Their desire is for authentic worship that is honest about their hopes and fears for the future yet centers their gaze on Jesus.  

May God strengthen worship leaders and songwriters at this hour who can birth timeless songs of hope and truth out of a time of tragedy.