Called to Evangelize Iran
Haik Hovsepian, an Iranian Armenian Protestant minister, dedicated his life to sharing the message of Jesus Christ with the people of Iran. Born on January 6, 1945, in Tehran, Haik was drawn to the Pentecostal Assemblies of God at 15, where he sensed a profound calling to evangelize Iranian Muslims. Despite facing a life of tribulation, he committed with a whisper, 'Anything, Lord.'
Ministry Through Tragedy
In 1966, after serving in the military, Haik married Takoosh Ginagosian and began pastoring a church in Majidieh, a Tehran suburb, in 1967. His early ministry was marked by tragedy when a car accident claimed the lives of four children of a missionary family traveling with him. Despite personal injuries, Haik and his wife pressed on, fueled by their faith.
Standing Firm During Revolution
As the Iranian Revolution unfolded in 1979, Haik emerged as a leading figure among Protestant Christians. By 1981, he was the general superintendent for the Assemblies of God in Iran. In a time when converts faced severe persecution, Haik refused to comply with government demands that sought to restrict religious freedoms. His unwavering stance was clear: 'Our churches are open to all who want to come in.'
Defending the Persecuted
Haik's commitment to truth was evident in his defense of Mehdi Dibaj, a fellow pastor sentenced to death for apostasy. By circulating Dibaj's defense statement internationally, he brought global awareness to human rights violations in Iran, ultimately leading to Dibaj's release.
A Martyr's Legacy
Tragically, on January 19, 1994, Haik disappeared in Tehran and was later found murdered. His death sent shockwaves through the Christian community, but his legacy of courage and faith continued. His family established Hovsepian Ministries, ensuring his message lived on.
Haik once wrote, 'I am ready to die for the cause of the Church so that others can worship their Lord peacefully.' His life, characterized by unwavering conviction and sacrifice, remains a powerful testament to the enduring strength of faith in the face of persecution.
