International (MNN) — International Media Ministries is in pre-production of a six part film series depicting the account of Esther from a Persian perspective. The story’s themes of Divine intervention and deliverance intersect with concurrent celebrations of Nowruz, Ramadan, and Purim, all of which involve seeking God or celebrating His gifts. Please pray that God will reveal Himself to lost communities, and read on to learn more.
Nowruz
On March 20, Iranians will kick off the Persian new year celebration known as Nowruz. This 13-day celebration begins on the Spring equinox and marks the arrival of a new season and new life.
In Persian mythology, a great king saw a vision of rebirth for his people. He is hailed as the originator of this yearly celebration that incorporates themes of salvation, purity, and the triumph of light over darkness.
Do those sound familiar?
Denise Godwin and the team at International Media Ministries think so. As they minister to Iranians during Nowruz celebrations, they hope to point people to the true King of light and life: Jesus Christ.
One way they are telling His story is through the production of a six part film series on the story of Esther. The series will be filmed in Farsi from a Persian perspective. Godwin says the project is from Iran, for Iran.
“We are grateful for the opportunity to serve God and serve the Iranians in this way, though we are finding there’s a lot of spiritual conflict on the journey,” she says.
Quran displayed during Nowruz celebration. Courtesy of Unsplash.
In the midst of that spiritual pushback, the IMM team is inviting believers to fast and pray during April leading up to filming in May.
Iranian’s need for Jesus is widespread, whether they live in Iran or elsewhere. Godwin says many Iranian diaspora have identified as Christians mainly to gain asylum. Meanwhile, the oppressive Iranian regime has caused some Iranians living in their home country to question Islam.
“It’s been so harsh for so long, and so many Iranians have embraced the idea of atheism or may be exploring other religions,” Godwin says.
Please pray that through God’s Word and the ministry of His church, Iranians celebrating the themes of Nowruz would come to understand the true source of them. Pray that God would open hearts and minds to receive the gift of eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
Ramadan
The observance of Ramadan during March adds yet more spiritual weight, along with outreach opportunities, to believers working in Iranian ministry. Muslims resolutely seek to hear from Allah during this time, fasting from food and drink during the day and feasting after sunset.
Muslim man praying during Ramadan. Courtesy of Unsplash.
“We fast as Christians to draw close to God: to know Him, to know what He’s saying to us. They fast for different reasons and don’t have that grace and that mercy from God that we have,” Godwin says.
She points out that this is an important time to pray for the Islamic community and to “seed the internet” with the Gospel.
“So we expect evangelism to start on the set, and we are excited about that and inviting other Iranians that we know to make sure there’s that atmosphere,” she says.
Please pray for the IMM filming team, including the Iranian actors. Pray also that those seeking Allah during Ramadan would find Jesus.
Purim
More integral to the Esther story than the location, Persia, is the people: the Jews.
In the midst of Muslims observing Ramadan and Christians observing Lent, the Jewish community will celebrate Purim, a festival commemorating the deliverance of the Jewish people from Haman in the days of Queen Esther of Persia. The name “Purim” means “lots” in ancient Persian, referring to the lots Haman cast to select the date of his proposed genocide.
Hamantaschen, or “Haman’s ears,” a pastry eaten during Purim. Courtesy of Unsplash.
Purim customs include reading the Esther account, giving monetary gifts to the poor, giving food gifts to friends, and feasting together at the close of the celebration. While Purim is a reminder of God’s protection of his people, most Jewish people still celebrate it without knowledge of their ultimate deliverer: Jesus Christ.
“What a great time to also be praying for their community to think about God’s salvation: that one person stood up for many,” Godwin says.
Please pray that God would reveal Himself to Jewish communities through their Purim celebrations on March 13. Pray that the hearing of His Word would prick hearts and minds.
“As they explore the idea of Purim and Esther, they can glimpse Jesus Christ,” Godwin says.
Featured image courtesy of Unsplash
