GLENDALE, CA., May 20, 2024 – Lana Silk, CEO (USA) of Transform Iran, a faith-based nonprofit organization meeting the spiritual and physical needs of Iranians, issued the following statement regarding the death of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi:
“While there are many questions surrounding the nature of President’s Raisi’s death, we know that the situation will only cause division and more tension within the nation of Iran. As First Vice President Mohammad Mokhber steps in as acting president and Ali Bagheri as acting foreign minister, there will be no positive change for the people of Iran as these leaders are sure to assert their authority in support of the dangerous and repressive regime.
We are witnessing a time when the Ayatollahs and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) all vie for power. When there is an internal power struggle, it disrupts everyday life within the country, and uncertainty will cause those in power to rule with an even tighter fist. Therefore, as new elections have been promised within the next 50 days in Iran, we must stay alert and pray for the nation of Iran.
Specifically, persecution against Iranian Christians will certainly remain and could intensify with these changes in leadership. Thus, we must strengthen the Church and ensure that the message of the gospel is heard throughout the nation as Iranians will be searching for solid ground during this time of uncertainty.
It is important to note that before promising restoration for Elam (modern day Iran), we hear the Lord declaring "I will set my throne in Elam and destroy her king and officials” (Jeremiah 49:38). We cannot presume to know God's mind, but could it be that he is in the process of preparing the way for what is coming next for Iran?”
Transform Iran leads hundreds of active churches across Iran, and provides trauma counseling, support to the bereaved, resources such as food and clothing, medical and legal support, advocacy and a wide range of humanitarian aid to the hurting people of Iran and Iranian refugees in surrounding countries. To learn more about their impact, visit transformiran.com.
About Lana Silk
Lana Silk is the daughter of Lazarus and Maggie Yeghnazar, founders of Transform Iran, who have served the Iranian Church their whole lives. Lana was born and raised in Iran before emigrating to the UK in the 1980s when God called her family to move West amid increasing religious persecution for Iranian Christians. Today, Lana serves as Chief Executive Officer (USA) of Transform Iran. She is tri-lingual and considers it her life calling to represent and advocate for the people of Iran in the West. Lana currently lives with her husband and three children in Ohio, actively operating Transform Iran’s mission.
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. God has given Transform Iran a unique position in the Middle East to meet the spiritual needs of many Iranians. In addition to spiritual support, Transform Iran 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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