Last week I was preparing “Omar” for his asylum hearing: “Why did you leave Iran?” Omar explained that he had always had reservations about Islam because of its severe legalism. But then in 2013, even that tenuous connection to the Muslim religion dissolved when his 17-year-old nephew was abducted by three Muslim men and brutalized … Continue reading Why Did You Leave Iran?
One of my tasks is to prepare Iranians who have converted to Christianity for their asylum court hearing. In that interview, the judge will try to assess whether Jesus Christ is at the center of the applicant’s life. If he or she is not able to demonstrate an authentic Christian faith, extradition to Iran is … Continue reading For My Father and Mother Have Forsaken Me
Our Lord instructs us to “render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Mt 22; Mk 12; Lk 20). But as Christians, what position do we take when the realms of Church and State intersect? Last Saturday a massive rally against the current Iranian regime was held … Continue reading Freedom for Iran
This picture was taken at a “Meet Your German or Iranian Neighbor” workshop recently held at Redeemer Lutheran (SELK), Düsseldorf. Notice anything? Almost everyone is facing the camera, including the Iranians. Before taking the picture, the cameraman pointed out that anyone not wishing to be recognized (for fear of their image winding up in the … Continue reading Meet Your German or Iranian Neighbor
My left shoulder has been bothering me for weeks and I recently went to an osteopath. As I lay down on the bench, he soon started to pull and stretch my arm and knead my shoulder. We chit-chatted and I mentioned that I am a missionary. Last Friday I went back for another session. Working … Continue reading Painful Adjustments
Last Sunday I was privileged to baptize my first Iranian person (see baptismal certificate). After the Persian-language Divine Service there was a reception—also to celebrate the belated birthday of Zion Hamburg’s pastor, Rev. Bernhard Schütze. The fellowship hall was packed. To my amazement, several people pressed up to me to request a brand-new baptismal instruction … Continue reading Remembering God in Times of Trouble
Ten days ago, a young woman, Mahsa Amini, was arrested in Tehran for not wearing her hijab (head covering) in accordance with Islamic law. Tragically, she died in prison that same night—under very mysterious circumstances. News of her death soon got out, sparking Iran-wide protests. Only God knows how these demonstrations might impact the current … Continue reading Mahsa Amini and Iran
Summoned before the Roman governor to defend his Christian faith, Paul confessed Jesus Christ—cheerfully (Acts 24:10). *** Several years ago, an Iranian couple fled to Hamburg and applied for asylum. They testified that, if sent back, they would be incarcerated because they had had difficulties with the Iranian government. Sadly, their request for asylum was … Continue reading A Joyful and Authentic Christian
Today’s Gospel lesson is the parable of “The Good Samaritan” in Luke 10. Yesterday I sat down with an Iranian liturgical assistant to go over the service with him. “What is a ‘Samaritan’?” he asked. I replied that Samaritans were unfairly considered among the lowest people in Jewish society because they were descendants of Israelites … Continue reading The Good Samaritan in Hamburg
On the hotel shuttle to Thessaloniki airport ten days ago, I struck up a conversation with our driver: “Lula and I are missionaries. We’re returning to Germany after meeting with our colleagues from all around Eurasia.” No reaction. “Missionaries tell people about Jesus Christ…” After a while, he asked: “What does Jesus Christ *mean*?” Whoa… … Continue reading What does Jesus Christ *mean*?
The Tiews in Germany 