Operation Announcing Freedom: Iran War Update #1
June 16, 2025
Introduction:
Since 2019, I have been planning evangelistic crusades throughout the country of Iran. The goal is to proclaim the gospel in every village, and every section of every city. The goal is to proclaim Jesus, the gospel, and from those who accept, make disciples and plant churches in those areas. We will do this evangelistic ministry crusade style, with worship in Farsi, and in their other local languages, and we will boldly proclaim the gospel on loudspeakers in gatherings (tent type meetings). I have the first 86 villages, and the first 10 cities already identified. They are all within a 3-hour drive of our ministry in Armenia.
Later in my planning, I called this crusade, “Operation Announcing Freedom.” In Iran, there has been a movement called, “Zan, Zendegi, Azadi” (Woman, Life, Freedom). This began after the cruel beating of Mahsa Jina Amini that led to her death in September of 2022. She had a portion of her hair showing and was targeted by the religious police and killed. Iranians want freedom, yet they do not know that freedom does not come through war, it cannot be forced or legislated. Freedom starts in the heart when the spirit is made alive by the work of the Holy Spirit. Freedom can only come through Jesus Christ alone.
“For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery” - Galatians 5:1
In HIM we will announce that Iran can be truly free. Jesus also gives, life, and life abundantly. “I am the way, the truth, and the life” – Jesus. This includes freedom and life for women, like Mahsa Amini.
The issue with executing the plan for “Operation Announcing Freedom,” has been the Islamic Regime itself. It is illegal to have a Bible in the Farsi language, and it is a capital crime to convert from Islam to Christianity in Iran. Despite these obstacles, Iran has been the fastest growing country for Christianity in the world, now estimated at 8 million converts. Islam has failed in Iran as 55,000 mosques have shut down, out of 75,000 in the past few years. Few people are going to the mosque anymore. Iranians have become functionally atheists from a Muslim background.
To freely announce freedom in Iran, distribute Bibles, and start new churches, Iran needs a regime change. And it looks like that is underway right now. Praise the Lord, that HE has already provided us with 36,000 Bibles in Farsi, in preparation for the upcoming operation.
Watch my live interview on Iranian responses to Israeli attacks with Nicole Jansezian, a journalist in Israel. She is a great source for live updates direct from Israel. Aside from being a journalist, she is a friend of our family and integrated into the Armenian community in Jerusalem. I was glad to speak with her the other night. However, it was the first time I have had to cut an interview short due to incoming drone and rocket attacks. You will see towards the end.
Pray for Iran and Israel, pray for Armenia and the peace of this region.
A Call for Prayer, Help, and Support
Since Israel began to attack Iran, I have been receiving direct messages from all over Iran. Below you will see the response from Iranians, and the fears that they have. We will be and have been receiving those who are fleeing to Armenia, and we are bracing for many more in the coming days. This means that we need to help with housing, food, and some other immediate needs. Thankfully, we can receive them as soon as they cross the border from Iran into Armenia. We have been planning for this for 5 years now and we have facilities at the border. We also have begun to renovate a refugee center just outside of Yerevan, to help with Syrian, and now Iranian refugees.
I want to reiterate, we are not yet seeing 1000s fleeing from Iran. They are trickling in; however, we want to be prepared for when more come. Please pray about joining this unprecedented time in history to minister to Iran in the most strategic place in the world to reach Iranians.
When the Soviet Union collapsed, the Iron Curtain fell, and Christians freely preached in Russia and the former Soviet states.
This is now the time for Iran.
The Islamic Wall of Iran is tumbling down. Will you take part in the Christian history of Iran? As soon as the Islamic Curtain falls in Iran, we will enter in, and Operation Announcing Freedom will begin.
What do we need? Initially we need funds for the following, and this need will grow over time:
1) Purchase of beds, bedding, sheets, pillows etc..., towels, soap, laundry detergent, and other toiletries. ($5,000).
2) Food and drink to host those that cross the border ($5,000).
3) Funds to complete the refugee center and guest homes ($40,000).
4) Monthly rent to store Persian Bibles (for one year $3,500).
5) Transportation, logistics, gas etc. ($2,000).
6) Volunteer travel, accommodation, food ($8,500).
On our property at the border of Iran, we can renovate several rooms to be used as guest rooms for refugees, but we need funds to do this. This includes five more toilets, and two more showers.
The initial need I am asking for in total is: $64,000.
If you decide to donate towards “Operation Announcing Freedom” and the needs requested, please respond to me directly here, and let me know how much, so we can designate this accordingly.
If anyone would like to come and serve, especially Farsi speakers please respond to this email.
Now, read what Iranians are saying to me in direct messages, and why this is so important.
I will be writing regular updates concerning the war, and the next steps we are taking. I will also be producing content on my social media accounts. Follow my YouTube channel, Facebook page, and Instagram page for more updates.
https://www.youtube.com/@jacobpursley1800
https://www.facebook.com/gatewayeducationalservices/
https://www.instagram.com/ambassador_of_the_king/
For the King,
Jacob
Sir,
Any idea who would manage the Volunteers as a future point of contract? Thank you, Diane Britson