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Write to: Kouroush from Iran

Kouroush grew up in a Muslim family in Iran. He first heard the gospel at school but resented the friend who told him about it. Years later, the same friend invited him to a house church meeting which ignited a period of searching that led to him giving his life to Jesus.

Kouroush – whose name we’ve changed to protect his identity – got involved in a house church and eventually became a leader. But it came at a price – he was arrested and tortured. Later released, Kouroush continued his ministry, but the authorities again tracked him down. He had no option but to leave the country.

He fled to Turkey where he went through an enormously tough transition. Without a job, his family, and the familiarities of his own country, Kouroush was sad, fearful and confused.

The experience led Kouroush and his new church to draw up plans to create a safe space for Iranian refugees to settle in Turkey. The centre – due to open this year – will house a library of Farsi Christian books, a room for discipleship training, a base for aid distribution, and space for people to share their stories and receive counselling.

“Without the international family of God, we wouldn’t have been able to establish this centre,” Kouroush shares. “I feel like God’s hand was in this. He brought us all together.”

You can encourage Kouroush in this new and exciting venture by writing him a personal letter of encouragement.

Writing guidelines

•  We advise using greeting cards, artwork by children and postcards
• Postcards with scenes of countryside, landscapes, mountains, flowers, water, and gardens are much beloved by Iranians. However, please do not send cards that picture animals as the main image as this is culturally inappropriate (animals as part of a landscape picture are accepted)
• Be encouraging and include one or two Bible verses (for security reasons, please do not use verses that refer to Israel, armies or war)
• Write in simple English (or in Farsi). Keep your message brief and print clearly
• Show sensitivity. Please do not dwell on the recipient’s plight, or share about the blessings of life in your country.

For security

• Do not mention Open Doors
• Do not mention Islam
• Do not refer to Israel, even when using Scripture. Also, do not use images, flags or maps of Israel, or Hebrew signs
• Do not criticise the country’s religion or religious extremists, its government, judicial system or political leaders
• Do not send money or make proposals to help
• You can disclose your name and country, but do not provide your full address.
• Send to us!

Send your messages to messagestoiran@opendoorsuk.org

And we’ll do the rest!

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Please note this campaign ends 1 October 2021