Summary

SummaryI still remember the day they came for my father when I was only thirteen. He was more than a pastorβ€”he was my hero, cycling miles with pain in his leg to care for our church in our basement πŸ™. They arrested him, warned him to deny Christ, yet he stood firm, saying, β€œI am ready to sacrifice my soul for my sheep.” Even as a child, I felt God’s presence in those prison walls πŸ’”βœοΈ. Two weeks later, news came of his martyrdom in Mashhad Prison. Though sorrow tore our hearts, his sacrifice ignited hope in my soul πŸ™Œ. I learned that true faith transcends fear, and God’s promise to comfort the fatherless is real. Today I carry his story forward, declaring that no chains can stop Christ’s light ❀️.

Rashin Soodmand was 13 years old when her father, Pastor Hossein Soodmand, was executed in Iran for the crime of apostasy.

Rashin remembers that day as a strange mix of sadness and joy as she, her family and members of their church dealt with the loss of Pastor Soodmand while at the same time celebrating his life and the fact that he had stood boldly in the face of Christian persecution and threats.

Rashin will tell how church leaders encouraged Pastor Hossein to leave Iran and go somewhere safer. He refused; he knew that for him to flee would discourage the hearts of his congregation. She’ll describe the man she knewβ€”a man who genuinely loved people, both Christians and Muslimsβ€”and tell of the last time she saw her dad.

To learn more about the current ministry activities of Rashin and her husband, Amir, visit the Torch Ministries web site.

Next month Christians around the world will join in prayer for persecuted Christians on the International Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians. Download your free IDOP resources now.

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Time Chapters
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01:13 Introduction to Iran’s church growth
03:18 Early ministry memories
07:03 First arrest & warning
12:27 Father’s refusal to flee
13:27 News of execution
19:08 Church’s mourning response
22:10 Reflection & hope
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Voice of the Martyrs USA
The Voice of the Martyrs serves persecuted Christians in the world’s most difficult and dangerous places to follow Christ. Β 
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