Exiled Iranian Christian Woman Tells Inspiring Story of Faith, Courage under Persecution
JERUSALEM, Israel – Christians on every continent can share stories of persecution and brutality, but few governments have a more alarming reputation for their treatment of Christians than Iran.
Marziyeh Amirizadeh is a remarkable Iranian Christian woman who was sentenced to death, and endured torture and incarceration in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. Time and again, she stood up to the authorities, all the while meditating on God's word and growing in her faith while suffering the loss of loved ones.
Marzi, as she is known, eventually escaped Iran and started a new life in the U.S. Today, she travels the world sharing her inspiring story of faith in the face of persecution, and she acts as an advocate for the Iranian people's freedom.
She is the author or 2 books, Captive in Iran and A Love Journey with God.
CBN News had an opporunity to hear Marzi's story in-depth when she recently made her first visit to Israel.
To see that interview, click on the video above.
About The Author
CBN News Middle East Bureau Chief
In a time where the world's attention is riveted on events in the Middle East, CBN viewers have come to appreciate Chris Mitchell's timely reports from this explosive region of the world. Mitchell brings a Biblical and prophetic perspective to these daily news events that shape our world.
Chris first began reporting on the Middle East in the mid-1990s. He repeatedly traveled there to report on the religious and political issues facing Israel and the surrounding Arab states. One of his more significant reports focused on the emigration of persecuted Christians from the Middle East.
In the past, Chris's reporting has been distinguished by award-winning coverage of revival movements and other spiritual issues. In addition to the Brownsville revival in Pensacola, Fla., he also covered an outbreak of revival in Missouri. His report on the "holy laughter" revivals in Toronto and London was named CBN's "Focus Story of the Year" in 1994.
That same year, Chris also earned a "Short Story of the Year" award for his examination of religious coverage in network news. He has also reported on such movements as the Promise Keepers and the annual "Prayer and Fasting" campaign led by the late Campus Crusade founder Dr. Bill Bright.
In addition to his reports for The 700 Club, Chris is also a regular contributor to Christian World News, a weekly 30-minute newscast that airs nationally in multiple markets.
Prior to joining CBN News in 1992, Chris worked for three years as a researcher, producer, and reporter for the Features/Testimonies department of The 700 Club.
A native of the Boston area, Chris earned a B.A. in History at the University of New Hampshire in 1975. In 1987, he graduated with honors from Regent University, earning an M.A. in Communication. While a student at Regent (then CBN University), Chris anchored "Newsight," a student-produced Christian news program.
Chris's goal at CBN News is to provide in his stories the Biblical "understanding of the times" described in I Chronicles 12:32.
