As military attacks by Israel and the United States weaken Iran’s government and its nuclear program, an Iranian woman who was once jailed and sentenced to death for leaving Islam believes that people in Iran will soon reject forced religion, turn to Christianity, and bring a spiritual change across the Middle East.
Maryam Rostampour Keller used to lead a Christian house church in Iran before she was imprisoned in 2009. Now a U.S. citizen, she believes her country will be free once its strict religious leaders lose power.
She said that during her years of sharing her faith and giving out Bibles, many Iranians were open to learning about God and had personal spiritual experiences.
She also said Christians around the world should pray for Iran during this time.
She believes that even if the current government falls, it will only be the beginning of a larger spiritual awakening. She feels that many people in Iran are ready to learn about Christianity, and more Christians will be needed to help share that message.
Some Iranians, including Christians, hope that Reza Pahlavi will return to lead the country, and she encourages people to pray for him.
She described the situation in Iran as a spiritual battle between good and evil and said that many Christians inside the country feel alone and forgotten by the global church.
She added that military help is not enough, and people around the world should support all Iranians through prayer.
When Iran’s leader, Ali Khamenei, was killed in a missile strike, she had mixed emotions, while many Iranians celebrated after years of suffering under his rule.
Now living in the United States, she still worries about the people in Iran. When asked how she felt about his death, she said she shares the joy of many Iranians who feel relieved and thankful for outside help.
Maryam Rostampour Keller cannot understand why some people feel sad about the death of the former leader and his harsh government, while ignoring the millions of Iranians who have suffered and asked for help for many years.
She said that in Iran, people are not free to choose how or who to worship. When she was just 7 years old, she was forced to say Islamic prayers and chant against Israel and the United States every day. She now realizes how much negativity that brought into her life.
At 17, she had a powerful spiritual experience with Jesus after reading a small booklet called His Name is Wonderful, based on the Gospel of Luke. It was given to her sister by a church in Tehran.
She said it was the first time she heard that Jesus is the Son of God and died for her sins. She didn’t find it strange—instead, she felt deeply moved. She cried for hours in her room, feeling God’s love in a way she had never experienced before.
Later, she joined an Assemblies of God church. Her pastors noticed her strong passion for sharing her faith with others, including family, friends, and even strangers.
Because of her dedication, she was sent to Turkey to study theology and learn how to lead house churches. There, she met a friend who returned with her to Iran. Together, they shared their faith and led small house churches.
In 2009, both women were arrested by government agents and charged with leaving Islam, speaking against religion, and spreading Christianity. They were found guilty and sentenced to death.
While in solitary confinement at Evin Prison—a prison known for harsh treatment—they continued to share their faith with other prisoners, including people struggling with addiction, poverty, and difficult lives. Many of them were open to hearing about God’s love.
The message ends by asking people to pray for Iran—that its people may be free from oppression and experience hope and spiritual renewal.