Dr. Jessica Peck shares her story of faith and transformation on American Family Radio
Hello and welcome to the Dr. Nurse Mama show, prescribing hope for healthy families here on American Family Radio. Here's your host, professor, pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of four, Dr. Jessica Peck.
Dr. Jessica Peck Welcome. I'm so delighted to have you here with me this afternoon. Listen, we have got a powerful show today. Today's conversation is one you absolutely don't want to miss. We are joined today by L. Ricci. She is a powerful voice of faith and transformation whose story begins in Tehran, Iran, and it leads to a life radically changed by an encounter with Jesus Christ. She was raised in a Muslim home. She moved to the United States as a young adult and began a journey marked by cultural tension, identity struggles and ultimately deep spiritual transformation. And today she serves in leadership with Iran Alive Ministries, helping reach millions across the Middle east with the hope of the gospel. Gospel. And her story is not just about personal change. It is about the truth of the gospel, of the good news of Jesus Christ, and especially for women who are living under oppression. Lily, I'm so glad to have you here. Thank you so much for joining us.
Speaker C Thank you so much Jessica, for having me.
Growing up in Iran was filled with fear and uncertainty, Lily says
Dr. Jessica Peck Well, Lily, I want to start with your personal story. I'm sure some of our listeners have heard you speak before. You have shared your testimony in so many ways. But I know there are some people who will be hearing this for the first time. Can you talk a little bit about your experience growing up in Iran?
Speaker C Absolutely. I was born and raised in Iran. growing up in Iran was filled with fear and uncertainty. I was 16, when I moved from Iran. I was still very young. But it wasn't hard to see that women in Iran were treated as second class citizens. it wasn't hard to see that m. Male in men, in general, had the dominant authority in so many ways, on so many different, level. And so that's how it was. I can tell you that. As simple as going out to shop, we were for fearful to get arrested for not wearing proper hijab. And my mom and dad, every time my sisters and I went out they were like, please cover up yourself. We don't want to pick you up from the police station for showing one or two strands of your hair too much, from your hijab. And so it was just filled with fear, intimidation, uncertainty and male domination.
Dr. Jessica Peck Oh my goodness. I mean it is, it is just gripping to hear you talk about that and about how it is because of course Iran is in the news so much Right now. And there's so many of us who sit on this side of the world, having never been there, having never understood, you know, what that's really like. And you wonder, and to hear your firsthand experience, it is, It's really. It's almost just impossible to imagine a life that is so different.
Tell us about moving from Iran to America and what that was like
Tell us about moving from Iran to America and what that was like.
Speaker C Yes. Moving from, Iran to, We first moved to the. To Europe and to Germany. And from Europe we moved to the States. And so it was, We We faced, multiple different cultural shock because we were raised a certain way. Even it was not the way the world look at it as even humane, but it was how we were raised. And so, I, was taken back when I first started going to school in Germany, and then moved to the States. One thing that was very, surprising to me was that the way, I was, not that the way I was treated, the way, people received me, both in Europe and in the States, it was almost like an embarrassment to say where I was from. you know, Americans and also, People in the west just looked at, Iran with such stigma because of the dictatorship and the Islamic Republic of Iran and its bad rap in the world for killing its own people, for creating nuclear weapons in Iran and threatening, the world of using that for evil. And so it was very difficult to see the Kind of every time I said where I was from to see that it was being frowned upon. growing up in Iran, I wanted to make mention of this. We were indoctrinated to hate, Israel, to chant, evil things against other nations in Iran. And I don't know why they were put inside instilling that in children, like much like myself to hate other nations, that Islam is the only way to heaven. no one else will get to heaven, and it is our duty to turn the world into Muslims. And so this was in me, and you know, growing up in Iran, the only way I knew how to connect with God was through the. The God of Islam was through Allah. Because that was the only religion that was introduced to me because I was born after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. So that was the prominent religion. And if you, If you were practicing anything other than Islam, then there was going to be, you know, penalty, like a punishment, death, was the punishment of apostasy for leaving, the prominent religion that was, That is still being forced upon people.
Lily, tell us a little bit about the history of how this happened
Dr. Jessica Peck Take us A little bit back. Lily, tell us a little bit about the history of how this happened. Because I think, you know, there are people who are listening, who are thinking, I'm trying to understand what happened. And we're learning more, especially in the aftermath of the war that is now ongoing. But especially you growing up in Iran right after that happened, your parents growing up in Iran before that happened. Where did this come from? How did we get to where we are in this cultural moment? How did that happen?
Speaker C Yes, absolutely. That's a great question. So, as you know, Iran basically operated on, the imperial system for over 2,500 years before it turned into a, theocracy. Almost. It seems as though, almost overnight because people didn't want m. The change. They wanted change. They were seeking change, during the last, kingship of Shah, because of the economic pressure that was on people. They wanted something different. but it wasn't so much the theocracy that was brought, due to people's vulnerability around that time. but they thought, people of Iran, majority of them thought, okay, maybe Islam can resolve our issues. Maybe the imperial system has to go away. So, Islam basically, entered into Iran. you know, it's got 1400 years of history, but in the seventh, century was, the beginning of, emergence of, Islam in Iran. And so, over time, it started spreading gradually but very fast, among people. And so, as false as this religion is, people of Iran, were thinking that that would be the solution to their problem. And after 47 years of, dictatorship and, people being subjugated to sharia law, under the Islamic rule, people are understanding that not only Islam was not, the solution to the problems they were facing, most of which had to do with economic, challenges. It is also the very problem that was brought into the land of Persia and is destroying, the country, from its roots. so now, Iranians, even though they're in the midst of, a war, they're happy. It's very difficult to say this, but, it is, counterintuitive to say that people of Iran are in the midst of a war, but they're hopeful that Islam is going to be uprooted from Iran and this Islamic regime is going to fall.
Dr. Jessica Peck You know, Lily, when I listen to you talk about this, seeing from the cradle of civilization, I. I've heard Iran referred to as that. And to look at, to go to your birth and your lifetime and how all of this historical and cultural context has impacted you. And then you coming to the United States. And it breaks my heart, honestly, Lily, to hear about the fear and the shame that you experienced. I mean, you're describing joy now and this, and the potential for freedom.
Speaker C Yes.
Dr. Jessica Peck What was it like for you? Because you had fear and shame in Iran growing up under that oppressive regime, but then you had fear and shame here in the United States. M. What was that like? And how. How did you emerge from that?
Speaker C Yes. No. Thank you for asking that. yes, absolutely. Fear and shame, were with me ever since I. I, understood who I was and I understood my identity in Iran. So afterwards, after we moved from Iran, to the west, because of the stigma of the country, and, I can tell you that I struggled with identity crisis, for a long time. but what really turned the corner for me was, after I came to faith, after accepting Christ, into my life as my Lord and Savior, through a chain of events of really going through the process of sanctification and renewal of mind, and, you know, letting go of, that which holds your heart in bitterness and darkness and all that, I started, you know, disassociating myself from my people so that less and less I would be, considered an Iranian with that heritage of, you know, dictatorship and the. And the wicked regime and all that. And I started working, on my accent. when I spoke English, I wanted to not sound like a Persian. I did not want to associate with them. then I started, you know, blonding my hair, and I was like, I want to blend in. I don't want to look like an Iranian. I don't want to act like an Iranian. I don't want to have anything to do with Iranians. Then, about. I, would say, when I came to faith was about 26 years ago. but it wasn't until, about six or seven years ago when I had an encounter with the Lord, when the issue of identity was resolved for me, when he showed me that, Lily, Persians have been very instrumental all throughout the biblical history. All were working, towards the greater purpose that I have for humanity to bring salvation to the world, to, to unfold my. My plans for them. And you were born for such a time as this. You are an Iranian, and you are going to be an instrument in my hand, in my hands to unfold my plans for women in general, to show them what a, redemptive God I am. How I pulled you out of darkness into my light. And I am able to do the same for others. It was in that moment when I had a vision. Stop.
Dr. Jessica Peck I'm going to stop you right there because we're going to our first break. But I can tell you I have chills all over. You said you were born for such a time as this. I'm thinking those are words that were spoken to a Persian woman. Those words that were spoken to Esther. And you are a modern day Esther. And we have just started to dive into your story. You still went through some hard things and we'll talk about that. We'll talk about the heartbreak that you experienced and the way that you encountered Jesus and what you are doing in Iran today and helping how you're helping Iranian women. Listen, you do not want to miss the end of this story. Come back and see us after the break.
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Dr. Jessica Peck You hear me when I call. You are my, morning song. Though darkness fills the night, it cannot hide the light. Whom shall I fear? You crush the end underneath my HM feet. You are my sword and shear. Though troubles linger still. Who shall I fear? I know who goes before me. I know who stands behind. The God of angel armies is always by my side. The one who reigns forever. He is a friend of mine. The God of angel armies is always by my side.
Lily Ricci shares her powerful testimony about growing up in Iran
Dr. Jessica Peck Welcome back, friends. That is Whom Shall I Fear by Krish Tomlin. And that is exactly what we're talking about today. I'm here today with the powerful testimony of Lily Ricci. She's here with Iran alive. She grew up in Iran and immigrated to the United States. She has told us her gripping testimony about growing up in the regime of Iran, what it was like to live there. And it was an environment that was filled with fear and shame. And yet when she came to the United States, she felt fear and shame even in her identity as an Iranian in America. And she has shared that with us. But she was just sharing right before the break that she of, her confidence that God has raised her for Such a time as this. Those same words that were spoken to a Persian woman that. So many centuries ago. And Lily, you were just about to tell the part in your story. I would love to know. When were you first introduced to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Because you said you grew up believing that. That Islam being a Muslim, that was the only way. And how did you first even hear about Jesus?
Speaker C Absolutely. So when I came to the United States, unfortunately, I was introduced by, my father to, his business partner who had shown interest in getting to know me for marriage. the only problem was he was 14 years older than me. And, We had no common ground. personally, We were not compatible. He just wanted to marry me. And he acted as if a promise was already given to him. So I, sort of felt like after we moved to the United States because my dad had lost everything, before we moved from Iran, he was so broken. He was in his, mid-50s and he was trying to, get back on his feet and start fresh again. And, Partnering with this person in, Starting a new business venture was the only hope that he was holding on so tightly to. And in the midst of it, this partner wanted to get to know me for marriage. So I, in a way felt as though if I went against, my own will and Said that I don't want. If I voiced my own opinion and said I don't want to go on with this marriage, everything would just shatter even more. And I would just shatter my dad. I felt like the burden of, bringing back my family together again, was on this business deal, which I was sort of entangled in it, through this relationship. And so against my own will, I was forced by circumstances to go on, with this marriage. even before, the marriage took place, The abuse, control, jealousy, insecurity, I was introduced to all that, aggression, even violence. It was. It was very bad.
Speaker C It was to a point that I felt, I was, having a nightmare. Every day I would wake up thinking that this is. This is just a dream. It's going to go away. It's going to go away. But it wasn't going away. And every time I tried to escape, He would just, You know, I would feel that more. More and more, Trapped. And he, would not let go of me. And, It was when I felt that I was at the lowest point of my life. at age 19. I, could not see any. I Could not see a bright future for myself. I felt that my life was wasted. I, felt distrusting. I, could not trust anyone, even my immediate family. it was just very, very dark place that I was in. around that time, a few of our friends, m. From Oklahoma, came to visit my parents. And I went to, to visit them in their home. And I noticed when I, when I first entered their house, they were laughing and there was joy in the house. It was just a whole different vibe in my parents home. and I entered their living room, I noticed that they were watching Jesus film. So they invited me to sit there and watch, watch the film. I sat there, watched the film. I got up to leave and one of the girls that was there said, lily, I know you've been through a lot and no 18 year old should go through what you went through. and I know you're struggling, but I just want to let you know that there is hope. There is hope in the name of Christ. And he's able to rescue you, redeem you. And these were just words that, that were going over my head. I, did. I was so numb to myself at that point. I'm like, okay, if you can't get me out of this marriage, if you can't do something right now, nothing can rescue me. You know, it's just like I need to see that tangible hand to move me out of, out of this marriage, that I feel trapped in. And so, she sat there, she said, I don't want to say anything. I just want you to listen to these two verses that I'm about to read to you from the Bible. And I'm like, why is she not letting go of me? I was trying to be polite. At the same time I was like, she's not going to be able to help me. What does she want from me?
Lily says her faith changed after she read John 1:14
And so she started reading the word from John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Then she skipped over to John 1:14 and she said, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. When she read these two verses, tears were uncontrollably, ah, rolling down my cheeks. And I looked at her with such certainty. And I said, jesus is my Lord and Savior. How do I become a Christian now? Up until that point, I had no idea what, what they were saying. The film that I watched because in the back of my head, no man could be God because I was indoctrinated. That Islam was the only way. There is no way that God can have a son or a man could be God. All of those things were questionable for me. And it was like a block, it was like a mental block that I had. Every time she talked about Jesus, I didn't want to accept what she was saying. But then when she read these two words, it was as if a rhema, a revelation came to me that there was no questions about the divinity of Christ. There was no question that he was God himself. Because the Word that was in the beginning became flesh and dwelt among us. And that was it. There was no more questions for me. And so that's when, the next day, it was actually a Saturday, the next day was a Sunday. They took me to a, ah, Bible based church and my faith journey began from there.
Dr. Jessica Peck Lily, that there just are no words. I mean, I'm listening to your story of growing up in Iran and the fear, the oppression, the shame, the abuse that you endured. And I think it's really important for us to realize sometimes we think, okay, we can imagine you living there and then we can imagine you coming to America and having your happy ending. Like you're here, you're in America, you're free, everything's good. And I think that's the danger of giving people such a shallow hope. You know, saying like, oh, put your faith in this government or put your faith in this location. And the fact that someone could sit and open a Bible and read two verses and you knew it. I think of the verse, the Word of God is living and powerful. It's like a double edged sword piercing through bone and joint and marrow. And just I've heard so many people's testimony of life change, just by hearing the Word of God. Now Lily, in your life, in that moment, your life did not change. You still were in an abusive marriage. You still were living in fear and shame and uncertainty. You still, you know, your identity issues were not automatically miraculously solved in that moment, but clearly something changed about your perspective. How did your life change from that moment? What was the process like? How did God enter your life? And even though your circumstances weren't changed, your faith grew?
Speaker C Yes, absolutely nothing changed after, after I said yes to Jesus. Except my heart was so filled with hope and love at that point. And all I wanted to do was to get to know him more and more. So I dug very deep into the Word of God. Just like the Word of God says, allow the Word to renew your mind so that you would know the perfect will of God for your life. So I read, read, read, and there were times that I needed a mentor to explain to me, you know, things that I needed to know. And so the journey was just deepening and deepening. And I remember you know I've, I've forgiven my predator. I've forgiven the abuser in, in my life. But I remember you know, I would be sitting like in my living room and just reading the Word and having my quiet time and he would come and grab the Bible and threw it across the room and say this is all nonsense. Why are you even wasting your time doing this? And that it was like in a way was persecution that I was going through. and I feel as though my life sort of followed the arc of the pit, the pain and the purpose. And so the pit really was what happened to me, the whole arranged marriage and the Islamic influenced culture about the arranged marriage that I was set up in. And then the, the. The cultural you know, male figure, dominating and, and the you know, the, the alpha person just wanting to abuse me to get me to submit to him, all that kind of stuff. And then the pain was the, the years of these persecutions in my own home. You know, the pain was the years of being abused, being accused of so many things. yet sensing that Christ was with me all along the way, him reassuring me that I am with you. I have never left you. I have never forsaken you. Just allowing him to speak to me, to show me the way, to guide me all of those years, of pain, brought me closer and closer to Christ. Then came the purpose. That was when I was called to ministry, leaving all that I knew behind in finance and investment. And accepted the invitation of saying of getting into ministry, ah, which was very difficult for me. Again the kind of ministry that was with Iranians, for Iranians, sharing the gospel with Iranians, that which I had tried to avoid for all my. All my adulthood. And so the Lord was taking me back there and that's when he told me, that's when he. When I was praying, Lord, show me, guide me. What is the direction here? why are you asking me to go back to what I don't want to have any association with? That's when he revealed to me my true identity, which is being a daughter of the most High God. But there was a reason that I am who I am, that I, was born in that country. There is a reason that I am on fire for Christ. There is a reason and why he allowed me to go through all those years of pain and abuse. So that today, when I speak to women in Iran that are oppressed, that are being gang raped in detention centers after getting arrested, when I hear about so many different abuse that they're going through, I understand what they're talking about. And then I can minister to them and to show them what a redeeming God we have, that he is able to bring us out of darkness into his light.
Dr. Jessica Peck M. Amen.
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And we're going to talk about that. We're going to talk about the Iranian women that you're talking to that you're ministering to. Lily, your story is so powerful because you talk, about living in Iran. You weren't saved by coming to America, but you did get saved when you came to America, you. You were saved by the saving, redemptive power of Christ. So much so. So much so that it transformed your life to go back to that very place you were afraid of. And when we come back from this break, we are going to talk about the ministry that you are doing today. I just want to thank you for sharing your testimony so beautifully and so bravely. And we'll talk more about Iran Alive Ministries. Don't go away. We'll be right back after this break.
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Dr. Jessica Peck Getting caught in that rush Doing so much I'm feeling kind of worn out all this checking the boxes Trying to be flawless has me spinning my head Catching my breath Too afraid to slow down I tell myself to keep this up Hm That God wants more than just my love But I've been complicating things Things it's just like me to overthink Gotta keep it real simple Keep it real simple Bring everything right back to ground zero. Cause it all comes down to this Love God, love people we're living the world that keeps breaking but if we wanna find a way to change all comes down to this Love God.
Lily Ricci is ministering to Iranian women under Sharia law
Dr. Jessica Peck Welcome back, friends. That is love God Love People by Danny Goi. And that is actually our theme song for Sharathon next week. I hope you'll tune in. But today we are talking to Lily Ricci. She is with around Iran Alive Ministries. She has shared her absolutely incredible testimony of growing up in Iran, coming to America as a young woman, as a teenager, being in an arranged marriage that was abusive, and coming to know the Lord through her neighbor, through sharing the gospel through the word of John. And now her life has come full circle and she is back ministering to women in Iran. Lily, I cannot even imagine how do you even put into words what gives you the courage to go back to that life that was so fearful, so shameful, so scary, so oppressive? What gives you the drive to go back and what are you seeing? Tell us what it looks like for Iranian women today and how we can pray for them.
Speaker C Absolutely. what gives me the courage, and the drive to stay in ministry and proclaiming the redemption that the Lord brings all of us, including Iranian women that are being oppressed is the eternal perspective that the Lord has given me, of the kingdom assignment that's on every single one of us. He has assigned us a purpose that is unique for each of us. And when he told me that Lily, I have created you for such time as this, that was to allow the pain that I went through to bring about so many multitudes to Himself. And so each of us can use our life experiences, the roles that the Lord had allowed us to play to really ah, fulfill our kingdom assignment that he has put on us. What we're seeing in Iran is of course, the systemic, injustice. the oppression that is targeting Iranian women, more than. More than anyone else in Iran, this regime is wicked. it doesn't matter whether they're m. Men or women. But because of the because of the influence of Islam, women are mostly oppressed in Iran under the Sharia law. There are legal restrictions, there are family laws. There are so many different, so many different aspects of life that their rights are compromised and they're at a disadvantage. I can go on and tell you that women in Iran, regardless of what age they are, they don't even have the freedom to obtain a passport or travel without either their father if they're not married, or their husband to give them consent to travel or to obtain a passport. They're more treated as a possession of whether they're their fathers. Or their husbands. you cannot travel by yourself or obtain your passport without the agreement of a male figure in your life. And that's just one of the most simple one like in court, in the court of law, the testimony of a woman is valued as half that of a man. You know, if a ransom for their life is said, it's usually half of what the compensation would be for a man. the inheritance laws are against them. polygamy is so prevalent for men and you know, which creates that unjust dynamic in marriage. And women cannot marry. You know, other men thank God, but at the same time, but their husband can have multiple wives while married to them. you know, men can unilaterally divorce their wife. Where there are so many restrictions for women to do the same. There are just so many different aspects that are just set against women in general and they're just treated as second class citizens. What we do, at Iran Alive Ministries, for the last 25 years we have been using the power of satellite TV to proclaim the gospel to Iranians that do not have access to, to the gospel. Otherwise Iran is close to the gospel because of the Islamic regime that's in power right now. But we do have a window of opportunity to share the gospel, to share testimonies of lives transformed, through satellite TV. And so when we for 24, seven we have slots, that are available for content to speak to a nation that is literally dying from hopelessness. young people are on the verge of suicide. Many of them have already committed suicide because there is no hope for the future. there have been multiple surveys taken of the youth in Iran and they don't see a future for themselves. They don't know why they should pursue education when there is no job to be had, when their rights are compromised, there is just no freedom. And the resources in Iran are being squashed by the people in authority and they don't care to kill tens of thousands of people that are protesting against them. literally they have said to uphold Islam. We don't mind killing millions of people. So, what's going on in Iran is very dark and I absolutely believe that it is a spiritual warfare. It's the enemy, having its grip on Iran because of how geopolitically Iran holds a very, very powerful influence over the entire Middle East.
Dr. Jessica Peck You know, since the, since the war broke out, there have been Some viral videos that have gone around showing Iran before and Iran after. And it's a very stark contrast. And I can see why those grab the attention of the public. And I'm wondering if, if the contrast of freedom in Christ is something that's appealing to them.
Iran is one of the fastest growing evangelical populations in the world
And the other thing that we've heard a lot about is things that, like supernatural things, like people having visions and God working miracles. Are you seeing any of this? And how do we, how do we get the message of freedom in a place where they're anything but free?
Speaker C Yes, absolutely. So, more Iranians have come to faith, to Christ over the last, two decades than any other time. right now there is an estimated 3 million Iranians that profess to be Christian. And of course that number is deflated because of the risk that is involved if you profess that you're, practicing Christianity and not Islam there. But we know that it's a lot more. But this is the number that has been confirmed so far just within the last 25 years of Iran Alive Ministries, proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, who make disciples, and, having so many different ministries for NextGen and evangelism and all that. We have names, of over 125,000 people that have said yes to Christ over the last 25 years. And again, these are just the confirmed numbers. So as you may know, Iran is one of the countries that has the fastest growing evangelical population in the world. In spite of the persecution, in spite of, being sentenced to, death if they find out because of the crime of apostasy. people are coming to faith more than ever before because they see lives transformed, because they see, visions and dreams of Christ himself showing up in their dreams to sick people and healing them, through their visions and dreams and getting himself known to them. And so, it's a movement, it is a Christian movement that is underway in Iran. And we, at Iran Alive Ministries hope that the freedom that Iranians are seeking, which they feel as though it's going to come through a political figure, they would experience the spiritual freedom that ultimately comes from Christ and to come to know him.
Dr. Jessica Peck You know, Lily, I think about, after 9 11, there was a country music artist named Allen Jackson who wrote a song about it. And one of the lyrics in that song was, I don't know the difference between Iraq and Iran. I think that is a really common sentiment. Just thinking that seems really far away. But really the world is changing. With social media, with kids being more connected globally. They're seeing they're asking questions like people haven't before. And I would encourage every parent and grandparent listening to share this story, this episode that we have, that we're airing today, to share the story, to talk about what is it really like, how can people find hope in Christ and to get engaged and to recognize there are. We have brothers and sisters in Iran who are experiencing horrific persecution. And the way that, that Lily has spoken about it, while awful and horrific, doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the realities of the violence, of the oppression that some people are facing. So, Lily, I would love for you to speak to the listeners and tell them why it's important for them to get engaged and how they can help support your ministry to make a difference. What can they do, even though it feels like we're living so far on the other side of the world, to help Iran Alive ministry?
Speaker C Absolutely. what I want to share with your audience very quickly is that, the reason my life was changed and transformed, the reason Christ is in the center of my life and I owe him everything, with every fiber in my life, is because somebody cared to share the gospel with me. Somebody cared to share the power of the Word of God with me. She did not get crafty with, you know, sharing the gospel with me in ways that I would understand it or it would resonate with me. All she did was use the power of the Word of God. And we can do the same thing here in America with people that don't know Christ yet. So I encourage your audience to use the power of God to truly care about, the person next to them, their neighbor, a co worker, whoever it is that doesn't yet know Christ, to share the gospel with them. It is the Lord that prepares our heart to accept that. I had the mental block of not accepting Christ in my life because I thought that a man cannot be God. But the Holy Spirit broke through that mental block and revealed to me that Christ is in fact God himself in flesh, who manifested himself himself because he cared so much about us. So sometimes we're scared of saying what is the true, meaning, of the gospel. But I want to encourage your audience to do that. yes, we are making a difference through Iran Alive Ministries and sharing the gospel with Iranians. so please, please share, connect with us. Go on iranalive.org Read, the stories that we have on our website. share the stories of transformation and, help help spread the word, support this, Christian movement in Iran so that one day, all 90 million people in Iran would come to know Christ.
Dr. Jessica Peck Lily, I can't thank you enough for your testimony. You know, I think I was just traveling recently, and I had gone into a restaurant to get something to eat. I was the only one there. And you could tell that they were bored. And the boy behind the counter, I say, boy, he was probably a teenager. And he said, welcome to this restaurant. We're just discussing the meaning of life. Where do you believe we're going to go when we die? And I thought, if I can't speak boldly, and I said, let me tell you, I will be glad to tell you if I can do that in the freedom and comfort that we have here in America. I'm just so grateful for what you have done in Iran. As Lily said. Go to iranaliveministries.org and check out what you can do. Pray. Share this episode and be praying for our brothers and sisters. And again, Lily, thank you so much for being so bold to share your story, your redemptive story of hope. In a world full of darkness, you are a shining light. And as our listeners are taking in your story, I pray that the Lord will bless you and. And keep you and make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. And I pray that you have a blessed Easter. Go to church. Invite someone. Share the gospel. We'll see you. We'll see you right here, Monday.
The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Dr. Jessica Peck shares her story of faith and transformation on American Family Radio
Hello and welcome to the Dr. Nurse Mama show, prescribing hope for healthy families here on American Family Radio. Here's your host, professor, pediatric nurse practitioner and mom of four, Dr. Jessica Peck.
Dr. Jessica Peck Welcome. I'm so delighted to have you here with me this afternoon. Listen, we have got a powerful show today. Today's conversation is one you absolutely don't want to miss. We are joined today by L. Ricci. She is a powerful voice of faith and transformation whose story begins in Tehran, Iran, and it leads to a life radically changed by an encounter with Jesus Christ. She was raised in a Muslim home. She moved to the United States as a young adult and began a journey marked by cultural tension, identity struggles and ultimately deep spiritual transformation. And today she serves in leadership with Iran Alive Ministries, helping reach millions across the Middle east with the hope of the gospel. Gospel. And her story is not just about personal change. It is about the truth of the gospel, of the good news of Jesus Christ, and especially for women who are living under oppression. Lily, I'm so glad to have you here. Thank you so much for joining us.
Speaker C Thank you so much Jessica, for having me.
Growing up in Iran was filled with fear and uncertainty, Lily says
Dr. Jessica Peck Well, Lily, I want to start with your personal story. I'm sure some of our listeners have heard you speak before. You have shared your testimony in so many ways. But I know there are some people who will be hearing this for the first time. Can you talk a little bit about your experience growing up in Iran?
Speaker C Absolutely. I was born and raised in Iran. growing up in Iran was filled with fear and uncertainty. I was 16, when I moved from Iran. I was still very young. But it wasn't hard to see that women in Iran were treated as second class citizens. it wasn't hard to see that m. Male in men, in general, had the dominant authority in so many ways, on so many different, level. And so that's how it was. I can tell you that. As simple as going out to shop, we were for fearful to get arrested for not wearing proper hijab. And my mom and dad, every time my sisters and I went out they were like, please cover up yourself. We don't want to pick you up from the police station for showing one or two strands of your hair too much, from your hijab. And so it was just filled with fear, intimidation, uncertainty and male domination.
Dr. Jessica Peck Oh my goodness. I mean it is, it is just gripping to hear you talk about that and about how it is because of course Iran is in the news so much Right now. And there's so many of us who sit on this side of the world, having never been there, having never understood, you know, what that's really like. And you wonder, and to hear your firsthand experience, it is, It's really. It's almost just impossible to imagine a life that is so different.
Tell us about moving from Iran to America and what that was like
Tell us about moving from Iran to America and what that was like.
Speaker C Yes. Moving from, Iran to, We first moved to the. To Europe and to Germany. And from Europe we moved to the States. And so it was, We We faced, multiple different cultural shock because we were raised a certain way. Even it was not the way the world look at it as even humane, but it was how we were raised. And so, I, was taken back when I first started going to school in Germany, and then moved to the States. One thing that was very, surprising to me was that the way, I was, not that the way I was treated, the way, people received me, both in Europe and in the States, it was almost like an embarrassment to say where I was from. you know, Americans and also, People in the west just looked at, Iran with such stigma because of the dictatorship and the Islamic Republic of Iran and its bad rap in the world for killing its own people, for creating nuclear weapons in Iran and threatening, the world of using that for evil. And so it was very difficult to see the Kind of every time I said where I was from to see that it was being frowned upon. growing up in Iran, I wanted to make mention of this. We were indoctrinated to hate, Israel, to chant, evil things against other nations in Iran. And I don't know why they were put inside instilling that in children, like much like myself to hate other nations, that Islam is the only way to heaven. no one else will get to heaven, and it is our duty to turn the world into Muslims. And so this was in me, and you know, growing up in Iran, the only way I knew how to connect with God was through the. The God of Islam was through Allah. Because that was the only religion that was introduced to me because I was born after the Islamic Revolution of 1979. So that was the prominent religion. And if you, If you were practicing anything other than Islam, then there was going to be, you know, penalty, like a punishment, death, was the punishment of apostasy for leaving, the prominent religion that was, That is still being forced upon people.
Lily, tell us a little bit about the history of how this happened
Dr. Jessica Peck Take us A little bit back. Lily, tell us a little bit about the history of how this happened. Because I think, you know, there are people who are listening, who are thinking, I'm trying to understand what happened. And we're learning more, especially in the aftermath of the war that is now ongoing. But especially you growing up in Iran right after that happened, your parents growing up in Iran before that happened. Where did this come from? How did we get to where we are in this cultural moment? How did that happen?
Speaker C Yes, absolutely. That's a great question. So, as you know, Iran basically operated on, the imperial system for over 2,500 years before it turned into a, theocracy. Almost. It seems as though, almost overnight because people didn't want m. The change. They wanted change. They were seeking change, during the last, kingship of Shah, because of the economic pressure that was on people. They wanted something different. but it wasn't so much the theocracy that was brought, due to people's vulnerability around that time. but they thought, people of Iran, majority of them thought, okay, maybe Islam can resolve our issues. Maybe the imperial system has to go away. So, Islam basically, entered into Iran. you know, it's got 1400 years of history, but in the seventh, century was, the beginning of, emergence of, Islam in Iran. And so, over time, it started spreading gradually but very fast, among people. And so, as false as this religion is, people of Iran, were thinking that that would be the solution to their problem. And after 47 years of, dictatorship and, people being subjugated to sharia law, under the Islamic rule, people are understanding that not only Islam was not, the solution to the problems they were facing, most of which had to do with economic, challenges. It is also the very problem that was brought into the land of Persia and is destroying, the country, from its roots. so now, Iranians, even though they're in the midst of, a war, they're happy. It's very difficult to say this, but, it is, counterintuitive to say that people of Iran are in the midst of a war, but they're hopeful that Islam is going to be uprooted from Iran and this Islamic regime is going to fall.
Dr. Jessica Peck You know, Lily, when I listen to you talk about this, seeing from the cradle of civilization, I. I've heard Iran referred to as that. And to look at, to go to your birth and your lifetime and how all of this historical and cultural context has impacted you. And then you coming to the United States. And it breaks my heart, honestly, Lily, to hear about the fear and the shame that you experienced. I mean, you're describing joy now and this, and the potential for freedom.
Speaker C Yes.
Dr. Jessica Peck What was it like for you? Because you had fear and shame in Iran growing up under that oppressive regime, but then you had fear and shame here in the United States. M. What was that like? And how. How did you emerge from that?
Speaker C Yes. No. Thank you for asking that. yes, absolutely. Fear and shame, were with me ever since I. I, understood who I was and I understood my identity in Iran. So afterwards, after we moved from Iran, to the west, because of the stigma of the country, and, I can tell you that I struggled with identity crisis, for a long time. but what really turned the corner for me was, after I came to faith, after accepting Christ, into my life as my Lord and Savior, through a chain of events of really going through the process of sanctification and renewal of mind, and, you know, letting go of, that which holds your heart in bitterness and darkness and all that, I started, you know, disassociating myself from my people so that less and less I would be, considered an Iranian with that heritage of, you know, dictatorship and the. And the wicked regime and all that. And I started working, on my accent. when I spoke English, I wanted to not sound like a Persian. I did not want to associate with them. then I started, you know, blonding my hair, and I was like, I want to blend in. I don't want to look like an Iranian. I don't want to act like an Iranian. I don't want to have anything to do with Iranians. Then, about. I, would say, when I came to faith was about 26 years ago. but it wasn't until, about six or seven years ago when I had an encounter with the Lord, when the issue of identity was resolved for me, when he showed me that, Lily, Persians have been very instrumental all throughout the biblical history. All were working, towards the greater purpose that I have for humanity to bring salvation to the world, to, to unfold my. My plans for them. And you were born for such a time as this. You are an Iranian, and you are going to be an instrument in my hand, in my hands to unfold my plans for women in general, to show them what a, redemptive God I am. How I pulled you out of darkness into my light. And I am able to do the same for others. It was in that moment when I had a vision. Stop.
Dr. Jessica Peck I'm going to stop you right there because we're going to our first break. But I can tell you I have chills all over. You said you were born for such a time as this. I'm thinking those are words that were spoken to a Persian woman. Those words that were spoken to Esther. And you are a modern day Esther. And we have just started to dive into your story. You still went through some hard things and we'll talk about that. We'll talk about the heartbreak that you experienced and the way that you encountered Jesus and what you are doing in Iran today and helping how you're helping Iranian women. Listen, you do not want to miss the end of this story. Come back and see us after the break.
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Dr. Jessica Peck You hear me when I call. You are my, morning song. Though darkness fills the night, it cannot hide the light. Whom shall I fear? You crush the end underneath my HM feet. You are my sword and shear. Though troubles linger still. Who shall I fear? I know who goes before me. I know who stands behind. The God of angel armies is always by my side. The one who reigns forever. He is a friend of mine. The God of angel armies is always by my side.
Lily Ricci shares her powerful testimony about growing up in Iran
Dr. Jessica Peck Welcome back, friends. That is Whom Shall I Fear by Krish Tomlin. And that is exactly what we're talking about today. I'm here today with the powerful testimony of Lily Ricci. She's here with Iran alive. She grew up in Iran and immigrated to the United States. She has told us her gripping testimony about growing up in the regime of Iran, what it was like to live there. And it was an environment that was filled with fear and shame. And yet when she came to the United States, she felt fear and shame even in her identity as an Iranian in America. And she has shared that with us. But she was just sharing right before the break that she of, her confidence that God has raised her for Such a time as this. Those same words that were spoken to a Persian woman that. So many centuries ago. And Lily, you were just about to tell the part in your story. I would love to know. When were you first introduced to the Gospel of Jesus Christ? Because you said you grew up believing that. That Islam being a Muslim, that was the only way. And how did you first even hear about Jesus?
Speaker C Absolutely. So when I came to the United States, unfortunately, I was introduced by, my father to, his business partner who had shown interest in getting to know me for marriage. the only problem was he was 14 years older than me. And, We had no common ground. personally, We were not compatible. He just wanted to marry me. And he acted as if a promise was already given to him. So I, sort of felt like after we moved to the United States because my dad had lost everything, before we moved from Iran, he was so broken. He was in his, mid-50s and he was trying to, get back on his feet and start fresh again. And, Partnering with this person in, Starting a new business venture was the only hope that he was holding on so tightly to. And in the midst of it, this partner wanted to get to know me for marriage. So I, in a way felt as though if I went against, my own will and Said that I don't want. If I voiced my own opinion and said I don't want to go on with this marriage, everything would just shatter even more. And I would just shatter my dad. I felt like the burden of, bringing back my family together again, was on this business deal, which I was sort of entangled in it, through this relationship. And so against my own will, I was forced by circumstances to go on, with this marriage. even before, the marriage took place, The abuse, control, jealousy, insecurity, I was introduced to all that, aggression, even violence. It was. It was very bad.
Speaker C It was to a point that I felt, I was, having a nightmare. Every day I would wake up thinking that this is. This is just a dream. It's going to go away. It's going to go away. But it wasn't going away. And every time I tried to escape, He would just, You know, I would feel that more. More and more, Trapped. And he, would not let go of me. And, It was when I felt that I was at the lowest point of my life. at age 19. I, could not see any. I Could not see a bright future for myself. I felt that my life was wasted. I, felt distrusting. I, could not trust anyone, even my immediate family. it was just very, very dark place that I was in. around that time, a few of our friends, m. From Oklahoma, came to visit my parents. And I went to, to visit them in their home. And I noticed when I, when I first entered their house, they were laughing and there was joy in the house. It was just a whole different vibe in my parents home. and I entered their living room, I noticed that they were watching Jesus film. So they invited me to sit there and watch, watch the film. I sat there, watched the film. I got up to leave and one of the girls that was there said, lily, I know you've been through a lot and no 18 year old should go through what you went through. and I know you're struggling, but I just want to let you know that there is hope. There is hope in the name of Christ. And he's able to rescue you, redeem you. And these were just words that, that were going over my head. I, did. I was so numb to myself at that point. I'm like, okay, if you can't get me out of this marriage, if you can't do something right now, nothing can rescue me. You know, it's just like I need to see that tangible hand to move me out of, out of this marriage, that I feel trapped in. And so, she sat there, she said, I don't want to say anything. I just want you to listen to these two verses that I'm about to read to you from the Bible. And I'm like, why is she not letting go of me? I was trying to be polite. At the same time I was like, she's not going to be able to help me. What does she want from me?
Lily says her faith changed after she read John 1:14
And so she started reading the word from John 1:1. In the beginning was the Word, the Word was with God, and the Word was God. Then she skipped over to John 1:14 and she said, the Word became flesh and dwelt among us. When she read these two verses, tears were uncontrollably, ah, rolling down my cheeks. And I looked at her with such certainty. And I said, jesus is my Lord and Savior. How do I become a Christian now? Up until that point, I had no idea what, what they were saying. The film that I watched because in the back of my head, no man could be God because I was indoctrinated. That Islam was the only way. There is no way that God can have a son or a man could be God. All of those things were questionable for me. And it was like a block, it was like a mental block that I had. Every time she talked about Jesus, I didn't want to accept what she was saying. But then when she read these two words, it was as if a rhema, a revelation came to me that there was no questions about the divinity of Christ. There was no question that he was God himself. Because the Word that was in the beginning became flesh and dwelt among us. And that was it. There was no more questions for me. And so that's when, the next day, it was actually a Saturday, the next day was a Sunday. They took me to a, ah, Bible based church and my faith journey began from there.
Dr. Jessica Peck Lily, that there just are no words. I mean, I'm listening to your story of growing up in Iran and the fear, the oppression, the shame, the abuse that you endured. And I think it's really important for us to realize sometimes we think, okay, we can imagine you living there and then we can imagine you coming to America and having your happy ending. Like you're here, you're in America, you're free, everything's good. And I think that's the danger of giving people such a shallow hope. You know, saying like, oh, put your faith in this government or put your faith in this location. And the fact that someone could sit and open a Bible and read two verses and you knew it. I think of the verse, the Word of God is living and powerful. It's like a double edged sword piercing through bone and joint and marrow. And just I've heard so many people's testimony of life change, just by hearing the Word of God. Now Lily, in your life, in that moment, your life did not change. You still were in an abusive marriage. You still were living in fear and shame and uncertainty. You still, you know, your identity issues were not automatically miraculously solved in that moment, but clearly something changed about your perspective. How did your life change from that moment? What was the process like? How did God enter your life? And even though your circumstances weren't changed, your faith grew?
Speaker C Yes, absolutely nothing changed after, after I said yes to Jesus. Except my heart was so filled with hope and love at that point. And all I wanted to do was to get to know him more and more. So I dug very deep into the Word of God. Just like the Word of God says, allow the Word to renew your mind so that you would know the perfect will of God for your life. So I read, read, read, and there were times that I needed a mentor to explain to me, you know, things that I needed to know. And so the journey was just deepening and deepening. And I remember you know I've, I've forgiven my predator. I've forgiven the abuser in, in my life. But I remember you know, I would be sitting like in my living room and just reading the Word and having my quiet time and he would come and grab the Bible and threw it across the room and say this is all nonsense. Why are you even wasting your time doing this? And that it was like in a way was persecution that I was going through. and I feel as though my life sort of followed the arc of the pit, the pain and the purpose. And so the pit really was what happened to me, the whole arranged marriage and the Islamic influenced culture about the arranged marriage that I was set up in. And then the, the. The cultural you know, male figure, dominating and, and the you know, the, the alpha person just wanting to abuse me to get me to submit to him, all that kind of stuff. And then the pain was the, the years of these persecutions in my own home. You know, the pain was the years of being abused, being accused of so many things. yet sensing that Christ was with me all along the way, him reassuring me that I am with you. I have never left you. I have never forsaken you. Just allowing him to speak to me, to show me the way, to guide me all of those years, of pain, brought me closer and closer to Christ. Then came the purpose. That was when I was called to ministry, leaving all that I knew behind in finance and investment. And accepted the invitation of saying of getting into ministry, ah, which was very difficult for me. Again the kind of ministry that was with Iranians, for Iranians, sharing the gospel with Iranians, that which I had tried to avoid for all my. All my adulthood. And so the Lord was taking me back there and that's when he told me, that's when he. When I was praying, Lord, show me, guide me. What is the direction here? why are you asking me to go back to what I don't want to have any association with? That's when he revealed to me my true identity, which is being a daughter of the most High God. But there was a reason that I am who I am, that I, was born in that country. There is a reason that I am on fire for Christ. There is a reason and why he allowed me to go through all those years of pain and abuse. So that today, when I speak to women in Iran that are oppressed, that are being gang raped in detention centers after getting arrested, when I hear about so many different abuse that they're going through, I understand what they're talking about. And then I can minister to them and to show them what a redeeming God we have, that he is able to bring us out of darkness into his light.
Dr. Jessica Peck M. Amen.
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And we're going to talk about that. We're going to talk about the Iranian women that you're talking to that you're ministering to. Lily, your story is so powerful because you talk, about living in Iran. You weren't saved by coming to America, but you did get saved when you came to America, you. You were saved by the saving, redemptive power of Christ. So much so. So much so that it transformed your life to go back to that very place you were afraid of. And when we come back from this break, we are going to talk about the ministry that you are doing today. I just want to thank you for sharing your testimony so beautifully and so bravely. And we'll talk more about Iran Alive Ministries. Don't go away. We'll be right back after this break.
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Dr. Jessica Peck Getting caught in that rush Doing so much I'm feeling kind of worn out all this checking the boxes Trying to be flawless has me spinning my head Catching my breath Too afraid to slow down I tell myself to keep this up Hm That God wants more than just my love But I've been complicating things Things it's just like me to overthink Gotta keep it real simple Keep it real simple Bring everything right back to ground zero. Cause it all comes down to this Love God, love people we're living the world that keeps breaking but if we wanna find a way to change all comes down to this Love God.
Lily Ricci is ministering to Iranian women under Sharia law
Dr. Jessica Peck Welcome back, friends. That is love God Love People by Danny Goi. And that is actually our theme song for Sharathon next week. I hope you'll tune in. But today we are talking to Lily Ricci. She is with around Iran Alive Ministries. She has shared her absolutely incredible testimony of growing up in Iran, coming to America as a young woman, as a teenager, being in an arranged marriage that was abusive, and coming to know the Lord through her neighbor, through sharing the gospel through the word of John. And now her life has come full circle and she is back ministering to women in Iran. Lily, I cannot even imagine how do you even put into words what gives you the courage to go back to that life that was so fearful, so shameful, so scary, so oppressive? What gives you the drive to go back and what are you seeing? Tell us what it looks like for Iranian women today and how we can pray for them.
Speaker C Absolutely. what gives me the courage, and the drive to stay in ministry and proclaiming the redemption that the Lord brings all of us, including Iranian women that are being oppressed is the eternal perspective that the Lord has given me, of the kingdom assignment that's on every single one of us. He has assigned us a purpose that is unique for each of us. And when he told me that Lily, I have created you for such time as this, that was to allow the pain that I went through to bring about so many multitudes to Himself. And so each of us can use our life experiences, the roles that the Lord had allowed us to play to really ah, fulfill our kingdom assignment that he has put on us. What we're seeing in Iran is of course, the systemic, injustice. the oppression that is targeting Iranian women, more than. More than anyone else in Iran, this regime is wicked. it doesn't matter whether they're m. Men or women. But because of the because of the influence of Islam, women are mostly oppressed in Iran under the Sharia law. There are legal restrictions, there are family laws. There are so many different, so many different aspects of life that their rights are compromised and they're at a disadvantage. I can go on and tell you that women in Iran, regardless of what age they are, they don't even have the freedom to obtain a passport or travel without either their father if they're not married, or their husband to give them consent to travel or to obtain a passport. They're more treated as a possession of whether they're their fathers. Or their husbands. you cannot travel by yourself or obtain your passport without the agreement of a male figure in your life. And that's just one of the most simple one like in court, in the court of law, the testimony of a woman is valued as half that of a man. You know, if a ransom for their life is said, it's usually half of what the compensation would be for a man. the inheritance laws are against them. polygamy is so prevalent for men and you know, which creates that unjust dynamic in marriage. And women cannot marry. You know, other men thank God, but at the same time, but their husband can have multiple wives while married to them. you know, men can unilaterally divorce their wife. Where there are so many restrictions for women to do the same. There are just so many different aspects that are just set against women in general and they're just treated as second class citizens. What we do, at Iran Alive Ministries, for the last 25 years we have been using the power of satellite TV to proclaim the gospel to Iranians that do not have access to, to the gospel. Otherwise Iran is close to the gospel because of the Islamic regime that's in power right now. But we do have a window of opportunity to share the gospel, to share testimonies of lives transformed, through satellite TV. And so when we for 24, seven we have slots, that are available for content to speak to a nation that is literally dying from hopelessness. young people are on the verge of suicide. Many of them have already committed suicide because there is no hope for the future. there have been multiple surveys taken of the youth in Iran and they don't see a future for themselves. They don't know why they should pursue education when there is no job to be had, when their rights are compromised, there is just no freedom. And the resources in Iran are being squashed by the people in authority and they don't care to kill tens of thousands of people that are protesting against them. literally they have said to uphold Islam. We don't mind killing millions of people. So, what's going on in Iran is very dark and I absolutely believe that it is a spiritual warfare. It's the enemy, having its grip on Iran because of how geopolitically Iran holds a very, very powerful influence over the entire Middle East.
Dr. Jessica Peck You know, since the, since the war broke out, there have been Some viral videos that have gone around showing Iran before and Iran after. And it's a very stark contrast. And I can see why those grab the attention of the public. And I'm wondering if, if the contrast of freedom in Christ is something that's appealing to them.
Iran is one of the fastest growing evangelical populations in the world
And the other thing that we've heard a lot about is things that, like supernatural things, like people having visions and God working miracles. Are you seeing any of this? And how do we, how do we get the message of freedom in a place where they're anything but free?
Speaker C Yes, absolutely. So, more Iranians have come to faith, to Christ over the last, two decades than any other time. right now there is an estimated 3 million Iranians that profess to be Christian. And of course that number is deflated because of the risk that is involved if you profess that you're, practicing Christianity and not Islam there. But we know that it's a lot more. But this is the number that has been confirmed so far just within the last 25 years of Iran Alive Ministries, proclaiming the gospel, making disciples, who make disciples, and, having so many different ministries for NextGen and evangelism and all that. We have names, of over 125,000 people that have said yes to Christ over the last 25 years. And again, these are just the confirmed numbers. So as you may know, Iran is one of the countries that has the fastest growing evangelical population in the world. In spite of the persecution, in spite of, being sentenced to, death if they find out because of the crime of apostasy. people are coming to faith more than ever before because they see lives transformed, because they see, visions and dreams of Christ himself showing up in their dreams to sick people and healing them, through their visions and dreams and getting himself known to them. And so, it's a movement, it is a Christian movement that is underway in Iran. And we, at Iran Alive Ministries hope that the freedom that Iranians are seeking, which they feel as though it's going to come through a political figure, they would experience the spiritual freedom that ultimately comes from Christ and to come to know him.
Dr. Jessica Peck You know, Lily, I think about, after 9 11, there was a country music artist named Allen Jackson who wrote a song about it. And one of the lyrics in that song was, I don't know the difference between Iraq and Iran. I think that is a really common sentiment. Just thinking that seems really far away. But really the world is changing. With social media, with kids being more connected globally. They're seeing they're asking questions like people haven't before. And I would encourage every parent and grandparent listening to share this story, this episode that we have, that we're airing today, to share the story, to talk about what is it really like, how can people find hope in Christ and to get engaged and to recognize there are. We have brothers and sisters in Iran who are experiencing horrific persecution. And the way that, that Lily has spoken about it, while awful and horrific, doesn't even begin to scratch the surface of the realities of the violence, of the oppression that some people are facing. So, Lily, I would love for you to speak to the listeners and tell them why it's important for them to get engaged and how they can help support your ministry to make a difference. What can they do, even though it feels like we're living so far on the other side of the world, to help Iran Alive ministry?
Speaker C Absolutely. what I want to share with your audience very quickly is that, the reason my life was changed and transformed, the reason Christ is in the center of my life and I owe him everything, with every fiber in my life, is because somebody cared to share the gospel with me. Somebody cared to share the power of the Word of God with me. She did not get crafty with, you know, sharing the gospel with me in ways that I would understand it or it would resonate with me. All she did was use the power of the Word of God. And we can do the same thing here in America with people that don't know Christ yet. So I encourage your audience to use the power of God to truly care about, the person next to them, their neighbor, a co worker, whoever it is that doesn't yet know Christ, to share the gospel with them. It is the Lord that prepares our heart to accept that. I had the mental block of not accepting Christ in my life because I thought that a man cannot be God. But the Holy Spirit broke through that mental block and revealed to me that Christ is in fact God himself in flesh, who manifested himself himself because he cared so much about us. So sometimes we're scared of saying what is the true, meaning, of the gospel. But I want to encourage your audience to do that. yes, we are making a difference through Iran Alive Ministries and sharing the gospel with Iranians. so please, please share, connect with us. Go on iranalive.org Read, the stories that we have on our website. share the stories of transformation and, help help spread the word, support this, Christian movement in Iran so that one day, all 90 million people in Iran would come to know Christ.
Dr. Jessica Peck Lily, I can't thank you enough for your testimony. You know, I think I was just traveling recently, and I had gone into a restaurant to get something to eat. I was the only one there. And you could tell that they were bored. And the boy behind the counter, I say, boy, he was probably a teenager. And he said, welcome to this restaurant. We're just discussing the meaning of life. Where do you believe we're going to go when we die? And I thought, if I can't speak boldly, and I said, let me tell you, I will be glad to tell you if I can do that in the freedom and comfort that we have here in America. I'm just so grateful for what you have done in Iran. As Lily said. Go to iranaliveministries.org and check out what you can do. Pray. Share this episode and be praying for our brothers and sisters. And again, Lily, thank you so much for being so bold to share your story, your redemptive story of hope. In a world full of darkness, you are a shining light. And as our listeners are taking in your story, I pray that the Lord will bless you and. And keep you and make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you. And I pray that you have a blessed Easter. Go to church. Invite someone. Share the gospel. We'll see you. We'll see you right here, Monday.
The views and opinions expressed in this broadcast may not necessarily reflect those of the American Family association or American Family Radio.
Jessica speaks with Lily Ricci from Iran Alive Ministries about being born and raised in a Muslim family in Tehran, Iran and how her life was changed when her family relocated to the US and she was introduced to the gospel. Lily shares insights into the culture and mindset from her personal journey as an Iranian woman and how Iran Alive Ministries is sharing the gospel in Iran.
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