February 26, 2007

Iranian Presbyterian Fellowship in Europe 2006

So we do not lose heart. Even though our outer nature is wasting away, our inner nature is being renewed day by day.

Thank God that even though we are getting old, He makes us able to do His will and spread the good news of salvation and bring people to Jesus.

The year 2006 was for us a wonderful and blessed year in which we participated in a marvelous ministry and enjoyed fruitful results.

Berlin

In the Iranian Evangelical Church of Berlin we held a weekly worship service almost every week, with an average attendance of about 20. There were a total of 45 worship services. On Tuesdays, we had a special time for pastoral consultation and Bible study classes. On Thursdays, we held a baptism course for inquirers, and as a result of these classes we baptized four people during the year. On Good Friday, Easter, Pentecost, and Christmas we held a special program and worship services.

Pastoral counseling is another important ministry: many people who I baptized in different countries in Europe call me for guidance or because they need me to write a letter to a government office or court in connection with an asylum case.

Marburg

The Iranian Christian flellowship in Marburg started about 13 years ago and is going very well. At the beginning, we had a monthly worship service but now services are held weekly. Bible study classes are offered as well. I personally travel to Marburg once a month. At other times the leadership rests with Mr. Mehrdad Sepehri.

Budapest

These days many Iranians who want to leave Iran go to Hungary, because it’s easier to get a Hungarian visa than one from any other European country. It is now about four years that we have been traveling there to help our Presbyterian missionary colleagues, the Rev. Kathy and Joe Angi, reach these people with the Word of God. The Angis are doing a wonderful job among these Iranians, helping them on asylum cases, housing issues, and other social problems that they have. This year we have been to Budapest twice to do some counseling and Bible study classes for them. So far, most of them have heard about the love of God and are attending church services, and many of them have received Baptism. We thank God for this opportunity and ask your prayers that this ministry may continue.

Needs

It is now quite difficult to receive asylum in European countries. Many who come and apply for asylum must wait several years, sometimes 8 to 12 years, for an answer. During these times they don’t have permission to work and cannot travel; they are like prisoners. That is why family problems are multiplying and the divorce rate is going up. Younger people, especially those over 16 years old, cannot attend school and are just wandering the streets, which is not good. Generally speaking, people are falling spiritually and their psychological problems are increasing. We ask that you pray for solutions to their many problems. Every day when we talk to people what we hear about are their problems and sad news. Please pray that God strengthen us so we do not despair and are able to help them and make them sure of God’s mercy.

With all good wishes,

Rev. Sadegh Sepehri

The 2007 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 177