Light is still shining in the darkness.

Yesterday I received a message from a very reliable source (I’ve known this person for years) and it really did ‘blow me away’. I know God inspired me to write ‘Father God I wonder’ but I never dreamt He would still be using it in such amazing ways…over 40 years after I wrote it!

Here’s the post.

Hi Ish.

I just wanted to drop you a little message as we were visiting a relatives church this morning and they had a couple visiting from Iran on behalf of Open Doors. They shared about the incredible things that God is doing in Iran at the moment, but the guy also led us in worship and sang ‘Father God I Wonder’ in Persian. I spoke to them at the end and he said the song is HUGE in Iran in the underground house churches – they are all singing (whispering) it. They could not believe how old it was. It is a sure favourite. I said I would let you know. This song is still so powerful and currently riding the wave of revival in Iran.

My reply

I said how thrilled I was to hear this and as my friend was going to see the couple later could they give me permission to let other people know, obviously not mentioning any names. Even more important how can we pray for our brothers and sisters in Iran?

This is the reply.

‘Father God I wonder’ is special to him as it’s the first song he learned. The words are incredible as the Christians often lose their families as they are thought to bring shame on them for turning to Christianity. The prayer points they asked for were.

Pray for the nation – it’s divided and there are people who are questioning the religion and searching for God and others who have turned off religion completely.

Pray for the churches. Underground house churches which are risky and the Christians need wisdom to know who is open to being approached about Christianity and who would be spies.

Pray for the prisoners. Persecution has increased since the war and sentences for being Christian now range from 10-15 years as they are seen as ‘Western’ and therefore fraternising with the enemy. Many are turning to Christ in prisons as a result of these brave Christian’s still sharing the good news – and singing His praises for evermore!

The lyrics hit differently when you know they are being whispered by beaten and incarcerated Christian’s as they continue to worship a real God who they know is there with them in the thick of it.

Finally, from me to you.

Please join with me in praying for our brothers and sisters in Iran.