Conflict in the Middle East: 'In such moments, prayer is essential'  

The Baptist World Alliance has appealed for prayer after the US-Israeli strikes on Iran sent the region into turmoil, while partners on the ground are responding practically to those directly affected

Elsewhere Iranian Christians express their hopes - and fears; End Times theology is analysed, and ceasefire calls are made

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'Once again, we are called to stand with our brothers and sisters who find themselves in the midst of difficult circumstances,' stated the BWA. 'The man-made crisis in the Middle East has brought loss of life, displacement, fear, confusion, and deep pain to countless families. In such moments, prayer is essential.'

It hosted an online virtual Prayer and Reflection Gathering last Thursday (12 March), and shared the following prayer points:

Pray for peace, justice, and reconciliation: As the war escalates rapidly, many are worried about what this war could turn into. We pray for restraint and for wisdom among decision makers and global leaders, for mercy upon this land, and for long-lasting peace, as well as healing and reconciliation between nations and groups.
 
Pray for the countries impacted and their people: Pray for protection over civilians, for safe shelter and provision for the hundreds of thousands of displaced people, for the mental health of people who have been worn out for so long now, for the mothers and fathers as they explain what’s happening to their children. Pray for the next generation as they absorb the effects of this war.
 
Pray for renewed strength and discernment: As God’s people, we are called once again to be light in the midst of darkness. This is the early phase – our ministries are reflecting on how best we can be serving in this time. Pray for wisdom as we navigate our response in this war and reflect Jesus’ image and love to all the people we work with and serve. Pray for renewed strength and wisdom as we persevere together with our local church partners responding to one crisis after another.


Baptist theological seminary shelters displaced people in Lebanon 

The BWA noted member partners in the region are 'already responding to the urgent needs of those who have been internally displaced as well as refugees from neighbouring countries.'

The European Baptist Federation has been directly sharing updates from these partners, including MERATH, a Christian NGO and the relief and development arm of the Lebanese Society for Educational and Social Development (LSESD), and the Arab Baptist Theological Seminary (ABTS) in Lebanon.

Hostilities resumed between Hezbollah and Israel on 2 March. Mass evacuation orders were issued in southern Lebanon, various areas in the Beqaa valley, and to entire neighbourhoods in Beirut's southern suburbs as part of Israeli airstrikes.

The ABTS guesthouse and dorms have welcomed more than 190 people (including 53 children) who were forced to leave their homes. 

'Many of the families now staying at the guesthouse also sought refuge here during the 2024 war,' stated the ABTS newsletter. 

'For some, returning to the guesthouse has meant being reunited with people they met during the previous conflict. Friendships formed during hardship have grown into bonds that now feel like family.

'Despite the fear and uncertainty surrounding them, guests often express a sense of relief upon arriving. At ABTS, they find not only shelter but also a place where they feel welcomed, valued, and loved...'

Follow the ABTS blog here.

Meanwhile MERATH stated, 'Hundreds of thousands of people are now displaced, seeking refuge in schools, public buildings, churches, and any available safe space.

'Urgent needs are expected to increase daily, including food, clothing, milk for children, and medication.

'As the conflict escalates yet again with no clear end in sight, our team and our local partners are mobilizing to stand alongside displaced families, as we have been doing steadily for the past two years and half already.

'Please pray for wisdom and renewed strength, and for God’s mercy and protection over our people, our country, and our entire region.'


'We do not ask for sympathy; we ask for solidarity in Christ'

Bethlehem Bible College, a Christian school in the West Bank, issued a statement on 2 March, via its President, the Revd Dr Jack Sara.  

'We write to you at a very heavy and uncertain moment in our region. War once again casts a long shadow over the Holy Land and the broader Middle East,' Dr Sara stated. 

Requesting ‘solidarity in Christ, not sympathy’, he continued:
 
'In the midst of shaking ground, we hold to the unshakable Kingdom. Our confidence is not in political powers, nor in human systems, but in the Lord who reigns above all nations.
 
We humbly ask you to stand with us in prayer:

• Pray for peace in our region and for wisdom among leaders.
• Pray for protection over civilians—especially children, the elderly, and the displaced.
• Pray for the Church in Palestine to be a faithful witness of Christ’s love and truth.
• Pray for our students at Bethlehem Bible College, that they would be strengthened, not discouraged, and formed into courageous servant leaders.
• Pray that we would continue our ministry with hope, resilience, and integrity. 

'In times of crisis, your prayers mean more than words can express. They remind us that we are not alone. We are one Body in Christ—sharing burdens, sharing hope, and sharing in the mission of God even in suffering.
 
'We do not ask for sympathy; we ask for solidarity in Christ. Stand with us before the throne of grace. Intercede for the Holy Land. Ask the Prince of Peace to bring healing to wounded hearts and justice tempered with mercy.'
 

Iranian Christians – hopes and fears

Elam Ministries was founded in 1990 by the London-based Sam Yeghnazar, one of Iran’s most senior church leaders, with a vision to reach the Persian-speaking world for Christ. It is a member of the Evangelical Alliance, and has been sharing updates and prayer resources.

In one of its recent prayer broadcasts (9 March), executive director David Yeghnazar expressed hope for the persecuted church in Iran. 'It's a sobering time, but it's also extremely hopeful time. Of course, there are mixed emotions. There are people who hope that possibly after 47 years of oppression, Iran might enter a more into a different season where there could be greater freedoms. 
 
‘At the same time, there's a lot of uncertainty and concern that it may be entering into a time where the challenges will get even greater, and at least for a period of time there would be a lot of suffering. However, the story unfolds. 

‘One thing we can say is this there is a church in Iran. I believe whatever happens we are entering a time where possibly we see even more Iranians come to Christ than ever before.’

 
Elsewhere, there was a note of caution. 

Iranian evangelist Hormoz Shariat, founder of Iran Alive Ministries, has preached Christ to Iranians by satellite and trained church planters there for more than two decades.

If the war doesn’t topple the regime, Christians in Iran will face reenergised persecution, he told Baptist Press. 

‘There will be a new major wave of persecution for Christians. Because the government of Iran is afraid of Christians. They know Christianity is growing very fast. They feel endangered by Christians, and they will try their best to stop this growth of Christians.’

Professor Phil Hopkins of Gateway Seminary, chair of Gateway’s Missions and Intercultural Studies Department, and associate editor of IRAN: Journal of the British Institute of Persian Studies echoed this fear in the same article. Prof Hopkins ministered for nearly 20 years with Iranians while a professor in Turkey, Armenia and the United Kingdom.

‘History indicates that the war could hurt Christians in Iran. I personally think the war will hurt Christianity in Iran. Christianity has increased spiritually and numerically in Iran, especially among the Muslim population.

‘I am concerned the war will change this and that Christianity will again be seen as a foreign religion and decrease spiritually and numerically in Iran, as America is considered a Christian nation. 

‘What America does often in the minds of Iranians represents Christianity.’

 

Condemnation for the attacks and ceasefire calls

There has been much condemnation for the military attack. The World Council of Churches condemned the military attack on Iran and the retaliatory strikes as the conflict escalated. 

Christian Aid called for an immediate ceasefire in the Middle East to protect civilian life and for international humanitarian law to be upheld. 

Baptist News has published a range of pieces analysing the decision to attack. 

 

End times theology analysis
 
The Centre for the Study of Bible and Violence has published a series of blogs relating to the 'dangerous rhetoric of ‘Armageddon’ and ‘End Times’ being used in the current political moment'.

These include a blog from British Baptist theologian Helen Paynter: 
Armageddon, the bombing of Iran, and the irresponsible use of Revelation - 'such a use of Revelation is ill-founded, incongruous, and dangerous'

Baptist News also included a piece investigating the end-times theology driving US intervention in Iran.

The piece concluded, 'Donald Trump partnered with Israel to bomb Iran because of the influence of an eschatology that sees conflict with Iran as setting the stage for fulfilled prophecy. The irony is profound: A faith centred on loving enemies and making peace becomes a framework that welcomes and advocates violence. The result is not the advance of God’s kingdom but its irrevocable damage in the eyes of the world. In evangelicalism’s attempt to usher in God’s kingdom on earth, they’ve actually missed it entirely.’



Thumbnail image | Iran flag | Pixabay