Morning Wire Podcast Summary

Episode: From Islam to Christ: The Quiet Revival in Iran
Date: February 15, 2026
Hosts: John Bickley & Ben Shapiro
Guest: Jacob Pursley, Pastor of International Bible Church of Armenia

Episode Overview

This episode focuses on the dramatic growth of Christianity in Iran amidst severe state persecution, exploring how Iranian converts are fleeing to neighboring Armenia for religious freedom. Host John Bickley and guest Jacob Pursley describe the current living conditions, discuss the hope and challenges for the Christian community in the region, and touch upon wider geopolitical and religious dynamics impacting Christians in and around Iran.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The Fleeing of Iranian Christians to Armenia

• Why Armenia?

  • Armenia, as Iran’s neighbor, is the “only free and democratic nation in the region” (02:23, Jacob Pursley) and offers religious freedom denied in Iran.
  • Iranian converts escape to Armenia to freely access the Bible and receive baptism, which are outlawed in Iran.

• Religious Landscape in Armenia

  • Armenia is described as the “first Christian nation” (03:19, Jacob Pursley), maintaining a longstanding tradition of supporting religious freedom.
  • Aside from Christians, Armenia hosts mosques, Jewish, Yazidi, and Baha'i communities, all worshipping “freely with no persecution” (04:18, Jacob Pursley).

2. Severity of Persecution in Iran

• Risk of Conversion

  • “Conversion from Islam to Christianity in Iran is capital punishment, death.” (03:19, Jacob Pursley)
  • Even owning a Bible in Farsi is illegal.

• Reported Casualties

  • Jacob shares sobering figures: “Up to 60 to 80,000 civilian protesters murdered brutally by the Islamic regime.” (05:06, Jacob Pursley) With one instance: “hospitals in Tehran reported 1800 deaths… just in one day.” (05:58, Jacob Pursley)
  • The ongoing crackdown ties into the broader anti-regime uprisings and protests within Iran.

3. International Dynamics and Political Change

• Impact of Western Involvement

  • Christians and protestors in Iran “are looking to the United States as a world leader to come in and stop this persecution.” (05:06, Jacob Pursley)
  • President Trump’s promises to intervene inspire hope: “they’re looking back to Donald Trump, saying, you made this promise. We're being massacred. When are you going to come and help us? Because we're dying.” (13:44, Jacob Pursley)

• Wider Geopolitical Shifts

  • Armenia’s shifting alliance “away from Russian influence and trying to integrate with the West” under PM Nikol Pashinyan bolsters hope for local Christians. US Senator JD Vance’s presence in Armenia sends “a clear signal that religious freedom is important, freedom and democracy is important.” (06:41, Jacob Pursley)

4. Diversity within Christianity & Ecumenical Unity

• Handling Denominational Differences
  • The Armenian Apostolic Church dates back to 301AD, with ancestral roots to missionaries from Persia.
  • “As Protestants or Catholics, we have one Jesus, one Bible, one faith, one baptism.” (08:26, Jacob Pursley)
  • Persecution from outside fosters unity among Christian groups in Armenia.

5. The Syrian and Kurdish Connection

• Historical and Ethnic Ties

  • The Armenian population in Syria has ties dating to the Armenian genocide, promoting good relations between the peoples.
  • Jacob has ministered in Syria since 2005, focusing on the Kurdish population’s spiritual needs.

• Persecution and Survival

  • Outreach to Kurds and other ethnic minorities is dangerous: “If you do [share your faith], you can be communally punished.”
  • Jacob details the murder of Haikov Sepion, an Armenian in Iran killed for evangelizing (10:46, Jacob Pursley).

6. The Quiet Christian Revival in Iran

• Spiritual Transformation
  • Iran is described as “the fastest growing Christian nation in the world right now.” (03:19, Jacob Pursley)
  • Most converts first become atheists before discovering Christianity, drawn by the God of love revealed in the Bible.
  • Biblical prophecy (Jeremiah 49) is cited as fueling hope: “God will restore its fortunes after it's been destroyed.” (12:37, Jacob Pursley)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Persecution:
  • “Conversion from Islam to Christianity in Iran is capital punishment, death.” — Jacob Pursley (03:19)
• On Christian Revival:
  • “We're seeing Iran is…the fastest growing Christian nation in the world right now.” — Jacob Pursley (03:19)
• On Need for Help:
  • “They’re looking back to Donald Trump, saying, you made this promise. We’re being massacred. When are you going to come and help us?” — Jacob Pursley (13:44)
• On Religious Freedom in Armenia:
  • “Armenia as a country allows for religious freedom no matter who that is.” (04:18, Jacob Pursley)
• On Unity Among Christians:
  • “As Protestants or Catholics, we have one Jesus, one Bible, one faith, one baptism... it gives us another reason to come together as one body.” (08:26, Jacob Pursley)

Timeline of Key Segments

• 02:03 — Introduction of guest Jacob Pursley and his work with Iranian Christians
• 02:23 — Explanation of why Armenians are fleeing to Armenia
• 03:19 — Persecution in Iran, religious freedom in Armenia, and Iran's Christian revival
• 04:18 — State of religious freedom and diversity in Armenia
• 05:06 — Impact of US/Trump policy and Iranian Christian pleas for help
• 05:58 — Chilling casualty numbers from inside Iran
• 06:41 — Influence of Armenia’s Western pivot and its impact on Christian morale
• 08:26 — Ecumenical relationships and unity among Christian denominations in Armenia
• 09:39 — Ministry to Syria’s Kurdish population and historical ties
• 10:46 — The risks of evangelizing in Iran; story of Haikov Sepion
• 12:37 — A sense of hope and the biblical perspective on Iran’s future
• 13:44 — Direct plea to Western leaders for intervention

Tone & Style

Jacob Pursley speaks earnestly, blending deep historical and theological understanding with personal experience. The tone is compassionate, urgent, and hopeful, with both interviewers maintaining a direct but respectful style as they probe sensitive topics and realities.

This summary provides a comprehensive picture of the episode's topics, illustrated by pivotal moments and direct speaker insights, allowing listeners and non-listeners alike to grasp the gravity and significance of the current spiritual revival and ongoing persecution in Iran.