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You may remember Somayeh*, the Iranian believer who lost nearly everything for her faith in Jesus. Her husband opposed every part of her new life in Christ, and after she was arrested for her involvement in a secret house church, Someyeh and her daughter were forced to flee to another country.
But from her new home, she's been able to continue her work to share the gospel with Iranians via an online ministry. And your gifts and prayers have helped her immensely as she settles into this new phase of life—and the challenges she continues to encounter because of her faith.
"My personal life is full of sorrow, but God's goodness has carried me."
Somayeh*, Iranian believer
"Your prayers are the reason I can still lift my head," Somayeh says. She is deeply grateful to the global Church for standing with her in prayer. "Sometimes I feel so weak, but then I remember that people all over the world are praying for me, and this gives me strength to keep trusting the Lord."
Through the trainings and conferences organized by Open Doors partners, Somayeh is on a difficult journey of forgiveness. She admits that the teaching she has heard helped her to begin forgiving her husband and others who have harmed her deeply. "The process of healing takes time," she says, "but the Lord is walking with me step by step. Even when I feel overwhelmed, He shows me that forgiveness is the path to freedom."
Yet, the burden on her heart remains heavy. Her eldest son in Iran is facing enormous challenges. Instead of offering support, his father (Somayeh's ex-husband) has only made matters worse. At one point, he even manipulated the situation so that their son ended up in prison. Somayeh recounts the pain with tears.
"My son is innocent, but no one would stand with him," she says. "His father used this as a way to pressure me. He told me: 'If you sign over the house or the car to me, maybe I will help him.' It was as though he was holding my son hostage. As a mother, it breaks me. I cannot return to Iran, and I cannot bring my son out. Every day I feel the pain of being far from him."
Somayeh's husband has pretended to repent, even sending voice messages to her asking for forgiveness. But it became clear that he was just after money. "At first, I thought maybe God was working in his heart," she says. "I do believe in miracles, but sadly, it quickly became clear that he only wanted his own benefit. That was very bitter for me to re-experience that."
Despite these betrayals, God has continued to strengthen Somayeh through visions of His love. In one of her darkest moments, when she had cried out in anger and despair, the Lord spoke to her: "Seek first My Kingdom." Somayeh reflects on those words from her Lord. "That morning, I woke up with the word 'Kingdom' echoing in my mind and spirit," she says. "God showed me a vision of two realms—light and darkness. He told me that darkness tries to stain our hearts with bitterness and hatred. But if I keep my heart free from unforgiveness and instead pray blessing, then the place of pain becomes a place where God's Kingdom comes.
"That changed me," she continues. "I began to pray blessings even for those who hurt me, declaring that God's Kingdom belongs there. It is not easy, but it is liberating."
This reminder from God gave Somayeh the courage to keep serving others despite her own pain.
"Sometimes I cry for hours because of my son, but then I remember what God said: 'Seek my Kingdom,'" she shares. "It is this truth that helps me continue my online ministry, serving others in Iran. When I obey, He strengthens me."
While dealing with so much herself, Somayeh is excited about encouraging believers inside her home country. Recently, she was contacted by a well-known Iranian artist whose heart was opening to Christ.
"At first, I thought it must be a trick," she laughs. "But then he sent his real and live photo. I realized it was truly him, and his heart was ready. Imagine—God is using me in reaching the arts community! It was such an honor that He gave me this chance to share with him."
The wider reality in Iran weighs heavily on her heart. Since the war in the region and the rising tensions between Iran and Israel, pressures on Christians in Iran have only increased. Believers are often falsely accused of spying or of collaborating with Israel. Many have been arrested. Daily life continues to be marked by fear and economic hardship.
"It is very difficult," Somayeh explains, almost in tears. "People are afraid to speak up while prices are so high, jobs are very scarce, and fellow Christians are under extra and heavy pressure. Yet even there, God is at work. As suffering increases, the more His grace is revealed."
For Somayeh, the call is clear: though she cannot be with her own son, she is called to be a spiritual mother to many. God has reminded her that He has been faithful in the past, providing for her and leading her into ministry. Now she continues to place her trust in Him, even in the face of grief, trauma and separation.
"I lost a baby before he or she was even born," she says. "Now my son is far from me. But God told me, 'You will be like a mother to many.' This is what gives me hope. My personal life is full of sorrow, but God's goodness has carried me, and He has given me a blessed and beautiful ministry to support others. I want to thank everyone who prays for me. You may not see it, but your prayers are my support."
Here's how we can continue to pray with Somayeh:
