Persian Diaspora Partnerships Update July 2024
Gates of Heaven
All children have dreams, but in Iran, these dreams are often unable to be fulfilled due to the immense pressure of child labor and trafficking. In the words of Forouzan Rajabi, Director of Gates of Heaven, “We help the children have a better understanding of the unfair world they are experiencing and help them to see some of their dreams come true.” Gates of Heaven provides a safe space among Christians for children to express their dreams. One approach they use is to have the children write their wishes on a “dream wall.” When possible, Forouzan’s team fulfills these.
One child wished for a wheelchair for his disabled father, and they provided one. Many children wish for something simple like a birthday party. Even though many children do not know their birthdate, teams plan group birthday parties complete with cakes, games, and singing. It is important for kids to be kids and to have something pleasant that helps them process their trauma.
Forouzan’s ministry is a diamond in the rough. Bringing the majority population into a relationship with the living Lord is a priority, and Forouzan’s leaders achieve this in a fully integrated way. While presenting the gospel of Jesus Christ, they embody it by exhibiting God’s love as Jesus did. Their ministry feeds the poor, brings clothes to the unhoused, conducts Bible studies, and embraces discussions about questions Muslims typically have about Christianity. They facilitate recovery from addiction for both men and women. And when severe medical needs exasperate the spirit, they make sure medical attention is provided. They also work with families and traffickers to purchase children out of the cycle of trafficking and bring them to the homes of Muslim background believers throughout the country.
All this is very risky work performed under the constant threat of imprisonment and death. Still, they press forward in their special calling. One of the recent testimonies is from two young children who spoke to their English tutor about Jesus. The tutor decided to follow Jesus and join the house gathering, a process that takes much time to create trust. Today, she blesses others in the house community by teaching English without charge.
Forouzan’s ministry is enabled in the country through the tender and devoted work of women and men, each of whom is a Muslim background believer. Each year she assembles approximately 15 of her leadership team for a conference at an undisclosed location in Türkiye. They meet face-to-face, worship freely without the fear of being heard by neighbors, relax together, and discuss strategy and next steps. Testimonies of the Holy Spirit’s work abound when they are together.
This November 3-13, The Outreach Foundation has the privilege of joining the Gates of Heaven leadership team for their annual leadership conference. Our team will provide leadership coaching, Bible study and prayer, and listen to their rich testimonies. Details of this visit will be released soon.
Please continue to pray for the ministry of Gates of Heaven and their director, Forouzan Rajabi. Pray that our team will have every barrier removed so that they can travel and serve alongside Gates of Heaven this coming November.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Outreach Foundation is seeking gifts to support the mission and ministry of our Persian Diaspora Partnerships, specifically Gates of Heaven. All gifts of any size are needed to help Gates of Heaven continue impacting the lives of children in Iran for the sake of the Gospel. If you want to join this incredible ministry's growing network of supporters, please send funds to The Outreach Foundation, designated “Gates of Heaven.” Send a gift via mail or click the link below to give online.
