Amid Islamic Indoctrination & Egregious Conditions for Middle Eastern Children, ‘Operation Christmas Joy’ Offers Hope
Transform Iran Announces Children’s Christmas Campaign, Meeting Spiritual, Emotional & Humanitarian Needs for Families
GLENDALE, CA., November XX, 2024 — As we enter into the Christmas season, Transform Iran announces its year-end campaign, “Operation Christmas Joy,” aimed to bring hope, joy and light to children and families in Iran, Turkey, Armenia, Afghanistan and beyond. As it is now bleak for Christians, refugees and other minorities in these countries, it is even worse for the children of this region of the world, making these efforts all the more worthwhile.
“Currently, we’re seeing some of the most egregious human rights violations in this region of the world towards children,” explains Lana Silk, CEO of Transform Iran. “The things that are happening are just unimaginable—from child marriage to trafficking to the harvesting of their organs. And without any ability to change their own circumstances, these children so desperately need the hope and light of Christ Jesus more than anything.”
Established in 2015, Operation Christmas Joy (OCJ) shares the joy of Christmas with children living in difficult circumstances. It started in Iran as a single event in response to needs from conflict in the Middle East, focused on providing an environment of safety and light.
“These children are being raised in environments where they are being forced to believe all things Islam,” Silk explains. “There is no room to question or voice other opinions. It’s a very confusing and burdensome reality for these children.”
Today, this Christmas effort has developed into a widespread operation to help children in various Middle Eastern countries through a series of weekly outreaches that enable the ministry to build relationships with the children, offering them a loving community, regular educational lessons and recreational activities that both build their self-esteem and strengthen their understanding of Jesus’ character.
“In our community events, they are free from any form of indoctrination—allowed to openly disagree, ask questions and process things in their own understanding; it feels safe, and the children are thriving in it,” continues Silk. “We are seeing breakthroughs in mental health too, with children suffering from anxiety and depression, finding a new kind of freedom where they can truly be themselves, where their concerns are heard and questions respected.”
At the end of the six-week program, Transform Iran presents the children with unique gifts to meet their practical needs and bring them a sense of joy. These include warm clothing or shoes, educational supplies and a thoughtfully chosen toy or treat to make the season extra special.
Transform Iran invites others to join Operation Christmas Joy this giving season to provide hope and a lasting impact to children in need. The following will provide:
$75 = A gift to a child in need, including winter clothing & personalized treats
$122 = 6 weekly events for one child & a full OCJ gift packet with clothing and treats
$470 = 6 weeks of community support for 10 children, including meals, fellowship & activities
“Our goal is for children to get to know Jesus and to be friends with him,” shares an Iranian-based partner to the ministry. “Another important goal is to invite their non-Christian friends. For them, Jesus is not only the giver of gifts but the source of joy!”
To learn more about OCJ and the ongoing efforts of Transform Iran’s ministry, including humanitarian aid, women’s ministry, Bible translations, evangelism efforts, discipleship training and more, visit https://transformiran.com/.
ABOUT TRANSFORM IRAN:
For more than 30 years, Transform Iran has served on the front lines of the Iranian Diaspora, sharing the love of Christ, training leaders and providing aid to the persecuted. Transform Iran has a unique position in the Middle East, striving to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of many Iranians. Transform Iran also provides humanitarian relief, including emergency food and shelter, medical care and legal help for asylum, among other forms of practical aid to Iranians who have been forced to leave their country. For more information, visit transformiran.com.
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Victoria Johnson
A. Larry Ross Communications
972-267-1111