Muslim to Christian Conversion Iran
Maryam Rostampour and Marziyeh Amirizadeh, born into Muslim families in Iran, embarked on a journey of faith that led them to Christianity. Marziyeh, born on November 25, 1978, in Rafsanjan, experienced a profound transformation after a dream where she saw Jesus and felt God's love. As Marziyeh recounted, 'A day that really changed my life was the day I was alone in my room praying to God. Suddenly, I was baptized by the Holy Spirit, and I started praying in tongues without knowing those languages. And while I was praying, I saw Jesus right in front of me in white clothes.' Maryam, equally hungry for truth, prayed, 'God, if Jesus is the truth, you must guide me to the right path and save me from being misguided.'
Their paths crossed in Turkey in 2005 while studying theology, and together they returned to Iran to share their newfound faith. They distributed over 20,000 New Testaments and established house churches in Tehran, showing dedication and boldness despite the risks.
Arrest and Evin Prison
On March 5, 2009, their commitment led to their arrest in Tehran. They faced charges of apostasy, blasphemy, and promoting Christianity. Imprisoned in the notorious Evin Prison for 259 days, they endured harsh conditions, including solitary confinement and threats of execution. Marziyeh defiantly told her captors, 'I'm here just because of my faith. I'm not a criminal,' embodying their unwavering trust in Jesus.
God's Protection in Prison
Within the prison's grim walls, they witnessed God's hand at work. As they described, 'When we saw God's miracles through our prayers … we understood that God had a plan for us even in that dark place and we could trust His plans.' Their prayers shifted from seeking freedom to interceding for fellow prisoners, demonstrating the power of faith in adversity.
Miraculous Release and New Life
Their release on November 18, 2009, came after international pressure, a testament to God's intervention. They eventually found refuge in the United States, where Marziyeh expressed her gratitude, saying, 'Finally, God brought me here, and I'm so blessed and honored to live in this great country.'
Today, Maryam and Marziyeh continue to share their story, crediting Jesus for their courage and the miraculous deliverance they experienced.
