Iran: Gilda's anger was replaced by peace when she met Jesus

Gilda is one of many Iranians who have met Jesus.

After growing up in Iran, she moved to a neighboring country in her 30s to start a new job. At the new workplace, she quickly discovered that one of her coworkers, Leila, was a Christian. Gilda had grown up in a family with a strong devotion to Islam and her mother was an officer in the Iranian army. So Gilda strongly rejected Leila's faith and often argued with her about religion.

One day, an argument escalated into violence. Gilda punched Leila so hard in the face that she caused severe damage to her ear. For days, Leila was not at work because of her injury and Gilda dreaded the day she would return. She was sure that Leila would press charges against her. But Leila came back with a smile. "Hello, dear," Leila said warmly, hugging the stunned Gilda and handing her a book. "This New Testament is for you. I see anger in you, but this book can help you leave it."

Gilda was so surprised by Leila's warmth that she started reading the New Testament. "This is so different," Gilda remembers thinking, "I need this peace." It wasn't long before Gilda gave her heart to Jesus, and as she grew in her faith, the deep-rooted anger inside her began to subside. Later, Gilda's mother also gave her heart to Jesus after she saw a dramatic change in Gilda's behavior and character.

Despite her nervousness about street evangelism, Gilda has found God empowering her and today she passionately shares the message of Jesus with others.

During 2022, Danish European Mission's donors have contributed to around 200,000 New Testaments being distributed across the Iran region.