An Iranian's hope for new beginnings in the new year

Iran (MNN) ― It's a time for new beginnings in Iran. The Islamic republic is celebrating the Persian New Year, and U.S. President Barack Obama is making overtures toward better relations between the two countries.

In a videotaped message marking Nowruz, the Persian New Year, Obama said, "The promise of opportunity for our children; security for our families; progress for our communities; and peace between nations. Those are shared hopes. Those are common dreams."

It's a conciliatory note, and observers hope it will bring more opportunities for dialogue.

David Harder notes that there also seems to be a window of opportunity for SAT-7 PARS. "At this time when many Persians are celebrating the beginning of a new year, it's a time when people can think about new beginnings. We know that they are looking, and churches in Iran are there to provide hope for people who come. Through our broadcasts, we're able to reach millions of people with the good news of Jesus."

Millions of young people--who make up the largest demographic group in the country of 70 million people--are disillusioned with life around them. Many are turning to drugs and even suicide, but others are searching for the hope that can be found in Christ.

However, as fast as the church is growing, life as a believer can be hard in Iran. The open witness of the Good News is banned, and government spies monitor Christian groups. Believers are discriminated against in areas of education, employment, and property ownership and also face arrests, imprisonment, and sometimes even death.

Harder says, "We need to be praying for the church in Iran that they will have freedom to worship, that the church leaders will be protected, and for our programs. People can be praying that our producers will make the kind of programs that answer questions that people have and really provide the tools to help Christians living there be able to walk the way Jesus wants them to walk and live."