A few months ago, a thief mugged a Christian. At first the Christian tried to plead for his phone, but the thief threatened him and took everything he had - including his phone and backpack which contained several New Testaments. 

Later, the thief read the Scriptures and felt a conviction he’d never sensed before. He wanted to know more. He switched on the stolen phone and called the recently dialled numbers on the phone until he managed to track down the owner.

The owner was Masoud, a house church member who recently had done a discipleship and evangelism course, which had equipped him to share the Gospel.

"I’ve been a stealing things from people for a long time - can I be forgiven?”, the thief asked Masoud.

Perfect opportunity, Masoud thought.  “When Jesus was crucified, he was on a cross next to a criminal…”  

The thief gave his life to the Lord. He is now being discipled.

This former thief is one of many new Christians in Iran who are celebrating Christmas for the first time this year. Thank you for your prayers and partnership which have made this possible.

Please pray with us that:

• All new believers celebrating Christmas for the first time - including the former thief - would have a deep and rich encounter with their Savior

• Masoud and others who have been trained would continue to grow in confidence as they hold out the Word of Life

• The 200 leaders who gathered this month would continue to know the Lord's leading and peace as they minister in a challenging context