Many of Iran’s Christians have aching wounds. Millions have been traumatized by the horrors they witnessed during the January 2026 protests while others have been directly impacted by the ongoing war. Other wounds may stem from battles with addiction or past traumas. Women are especially vulnerable to abuse in Iran. Others carry scars from persecution.  

They want to be committed disciples, but they need healing and closure—now more than ever.  

This is why residential conferences are so crucial. Much ministry can be done online, but for the healing of wounds, nothing compares to the safe atmosphere of a residential conference. Soaked in worship and solid teaching, the Christian has many opportunities for one-to-one counseling and prayer with wise, mature believers.  

For more than a decade, Elam has hosted women’s conferences in countries near Iran designed to provide a safe space for counseling and discipleship. Thousands of women have attended, and many have received healing. Men’s conferences have also been held for several years, as well as Bible teaching conferences and youth conferences.  

Other agencies also wisely invest in residential conferences. As the church continues to grow, and as many people need space to process recent trauma, there is a need for more residential conferences.