Case study
Anna* joined AWM-Pioneers and served among Muslims before meeting and marrying her Iranian husband Abdalsalam*.
This couple launched a ministry 10 years ago called Hamsayeh International to specifically reach Farsi-speaking Muslims. Hamsayeh means ‘neighbour’ in Farsi.
In recent years the couple have also developed a radio ministry so they can continue to provide biblical teaching to Farsi-speakers across the globe. This has broadened the impact of the work as many Iranians travel or are relocated. Many new believers have continued to benefit from the ongoing spiritual encouragement.
English isn’t Abdalsalam’s first language. While at an English-speaking Bible College, he noticed that he was unable to fully understand what was being taught. The metaphors being used were specific to British culture and didn’t relate to Abdalsalam who is originally from the Middle East. In contrast, the biblical training he received in his heart language used recognisable metaphors, examples and images. Learning more about God in a culturally relevant way birthed in him a desire to reach those from a similar background.
Our vision is to love our neighbour enough to share the gospel with Farsi-speakers and give them the best we have – and the best we have is Christ.
Founders of Hamsayeh International
Farsi-speakers mainly originate from Iran, Afghanistan, and Tajikistan. In the UK, where Abdalsalam and his wife Anna work, many of those whose heart language is Farsi have a very limited grasp of English. Being part of a mainstream church in this country can therefore be very challenging. This is why the couple are so passionate about devoting their time to witnessing and discipling Farsi-speakers in their heart language.
Anna and Abdalsalam love to nurture new believers so that, as they grow, they find their identity and purpose in the living God. They see it as ‘adopting a new-born baby because the baby needs to be taught everything’. Understanding what it means to become a new creation in Christ can be challenging regardless of your background, but Anna and Abdalsalam have found three specific areas that can be especially challenging for those they serve.
Just as Jesus walked alongside His disciples, teaching them as they went, Anna and Abdalsalam nurture new believers through companionship. They walk alongside new believers, teaching them as they go, building up a community around them. The aim is to help each one flourish and become an active member of the Christian community. Living in task-oriented community in the west with no relatives nearby can be isolating for Farsi speakers, who are used to relationship-based cultures.
The companionship that the couple provide to brand-new followers of Christ is therefore a lifeline for many. It would not be possible to model and share the best ways to follow Christ and overcome challenges without walking alongside them first.
The investment that the couple has poured into new believers can make a lasting difference. Many grow in confidence and are encouraged to tell others about the God they serve. Abdalsalam has been walking alongside Reza* who has started telling his family and friends about Christ. Anytime he returns to his home country, his friends and neighbours come to him and say, ‘Talk to us about the God that you know’ and then he starts sharing the gospel with them.
* Names have been changed.
For more information about their outreach and discipleship ministry, visit the website of Hamsayeh International. Depending on the location, the couple also provide training and guidance for Christians involved in discipling Farsi-speakers in the UK.
