Five Iranian members of the church community at St Matthew and The Minster were baptised during last week’s midweek communion, in a deeply moving service.
“Over the last five years we have been so blessed by a number of Iranian asylum seekers joining our church family,” said Rector Richard Coombs of St Matthew and the Minster. “Some have been granted asylum and have been joined by their families; others are still navigating the system and living with uncertainty. Some became Christians in Iran and had to flee the country for their safety; others have come to faith since arriving here. Their presence has enriched us, challenged us, and shaped our life together in ways for which we give thanks to God.”
The church has adapted several of its learning and discipleship programmes in order to include and support ‘our brothers and sisters’. Alpha courses have been offered with Farsi subtitles, and the church has made use of Al Massira, a 13-session video-based course widely translated for those from Muslim backgrounds who want to explore the Christian faith.
“Wonderfully, Al Massira is now led by one of the Iranians, who is able to answer questions far better than we can. Alongside this, we are running iSEBS — an international Simple English Bible Study — to help our Iranian brothers and sisters, and other non-native English speakers, to begin to read and study the Bible for themselves,” Richard said.
During Tuesday’s baptism, each of the men shared personal testimony:
S: “I was going through despair, emptiness, and meaninglessness. Through a friend I learned about Jesus Christ, love, and forgiveness. I experienced His presence, found deep peace, renewed hope, and a living relationship with God.”
M: “Due to problems with Islam, I left religion for nine years. A Christian friend invited me to a house church. Because conversion is a major crime in Iran, I was forced to hide and eventually leave the country.”
H: “I was involved in drugs and alcohol and had a chaotic life until God’s grace and the gospel reached my heart. God soothed my wounds; I found peace, became God’s child, and now trust in Jesus Christ.”
A: “Born Muslim, with struggles and loss, I felt distant from God until meeting a Christian friend whose life had been changed. Through Christianity I found love, compassion, new life, and joy. I believe God accepted me and walks beside me.”
M: “My mother was healed and I saw the miracle of Christ. Christ touched my heart and I was saved. Jesus is my Saviour, the Anointed One; my salvation has purpose and strengthens my faith.”
The men had originally been due to be baptised on the church’s Baptism Sunday in March, but plans had to change after they learnt they would be moved from their hotel in Cheltenham to another location.
Richard said: “We are so sad to be saying goodbye to our brothers who have only recently joined us, but we confidently entrust them to the Lord who says, ‘Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go’ (Joshua 1:9).
“Please do continue to pray for them – for peace in uncertainty, for churches who will love and disciple them, new Christian friendships wherever they are placed, and an assurance of God’s presence in the days ahead.”
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