90,000 Bibles Ready for Iran: Mission Agency Says Conflict Could Spark Greatest Gospel Breakthrough in Decades
Eastern European Mission has prepared 90,000 Bibles in Iranian languages including the first ever Gilaki New Testament as conflict creates a historic Gospel opportunity.
Mission Agency Prepares 90,000 Bibles for Iran as Conflict Creates Historic Gospel Opportunity
Eastern European Mission (EEM) says the ongoing conflict in the Middle East could create a "historic opportunity" to bring the Gospel into Iran, one of the most restricted nations on earth for Christians.
Iran currently ranks 10th on the Open Doors World Watch List of the worst persecutors of Christians globally. Conversion from Islam remains illegal and is potentially punishable by death. Historic Christian communities in the country face second class treatment, and churches endure regular police raids, especially during periods of heightened conflict.
Despite these dangers, EEM has been preparing. The mission agency has produced nearly 90,000 Bibles in Iranian languages, including the first ever New Testament translation into Gilaki, a language spoken in northern Iran. The Gilaki speaking people have never before had access to the New Testament in their own tongue.
The Bible already exists in languages many Iranian people can read, but if the door opens, the need could be far greater than anything we have seen before.
Dirk Smith, Vice President of EEM, made the statement as the organization ramps up its preparations for what it calls an unprecedented moment.
Smith added that for generations, many Iranians have lived with severe restrictions on access to the Bible, and if greater openness comes, even briefly, the opportunity for people to encounter God's Word could be extraordinary.
Bart Rybinski, EEM's European Vice President, urged Christians worldwide to respond with prayer first and foremost.
Our first response must be prayer. This is a dangerous and deeply uncertain moment for the people of Iran, and we are asking Christians everywhere to pray for peace, for protection, and for the Lord to move powerfully in the midst of crisis.
The call comes as Israel and the United States have intensified regime change efforts in Iran throughout 2026, raising the possibility that decades of restricted access to Scripture could soon give way to an opening unlike anything the modern church has witnessed in the region.
EEM Produces First Ever Gilaki New Testament as Iran Faces Unprecedented Moment for Bible Access
EEM's inventory includes Farsi Bibles, New Testaments, and editions specifically designed for children and teenagers, as well as materials for refugees and displaced people from the region. The agency says any shift in Iran's government could create a rare window for millions of people who have lived for decades without access to Scripture.
The Crusader's Opinion
God moves in ways the world cannot predict. While politicians debate strategy and generals plan airstrikes, the Holy Spirit is already at work in the hearts of the Iranian people. The Islamic regime has spent 47 years trying to stamp out faith in Christ, and what do they have to show for it? Iran now has one of the fastest growing underground churches on the planet. You cannot bomb the Gospel. You cannot legislate it out of existence. Every Bible that enters Iran is a weapon more powerful than any missile, because it carries the eternal Word of the living God. Pray for Iran. Pray for the brave believers meeting in secret. And when that door opens, be ready to walk through it.
Take Action
- Pray for Iranian Christians: Lift up the underground church in Iran. Pray for protection, boldness, and for the doors to open wide for the Gospel. Visit Open Doors USA for specific prayer points.
- Support EEM's Bible Work: Eastern European Mission is preparing 90,000 Bibles for distribution. Learn more and donate at eem.org.
- Give to Persecuted Believers: Support organizations serving persecuted Christians in the Middle East. Donate at www.TheShepherdsShield.org.
- Support Voice of the Martyrs: VOM serves persecuted Christians in over 70 countries, including Iran. Visit persecution.com to get involved.
- Share This Story: Forward this article to your church, small group, and social media. The mainstream media will not cover this. We must.
