The economic fallout of the war in Iran is only getting bigger.
First, there was the near total Internet black-out, which lasted almost three months. Many businesses which relied on the Internet to buy or sell completely collapsed. Other businesses were destroyed by bombs or had to close because they were in a danger zone.
And then there was the blocking of the harbours, which made it much more expensive, or impossible, to import certain goods. All of this has caused millions of people to lose their jobs. Others are forced to take large pay cuts, or they still work but haven’t gotten their salaries for months.
Losing your job when prices of basic commodities have doubled, while savings become worthless because of inflation, can be life threatening. Many can no longer provide for their children and elderly. They have to rely on relatives, who are struggling themselves.
As Back to Jerusalem, we help our partners in Iran get food supplies to families in particularly difficult situations, especially those who are affected by illness or single mothers who have no one to help them. But those who are able-bodied would much rather get a job so they can provide for their families themselves.
In these past months, some of the support we sent to our partners was used to help a believer who lost his job set up a business. When a person can work, it does not only restore his sense of purpose and dignity, but it also gives that person a chance to help others. We received the beautiful testimony below of a brother who was not only able to generate an income, but also to employ other believers.
From brother A
I was unemployed for a long time and had no source of income. Life had become very difficult and discouraging for me. I shared my need with the church and asked my brothers and sisters to pray for me.
After some time, one of the sisters contacted me, and the church provided financial support to help me start a business. By God’s grace and with the money the church gave me, I was able to open an Internet café. Now, two other believers are working with me in the same place.
I sincerely thank God because when I could not see any way forward, He used the church to open a door for me and bring new hope into my life. From the bottom of my heart, I am grateful to the church and to everyone who supported me through their prayers and financial help. My prayer is that God will bless this business and help us expand it so that, in the future, we can provide work for even more brothers and sisters.
May God richly bless you all. Amen.
