Iranian Mormon Convert: Maryam
August 2, 2009 by DH
Filed under Mormon Middle East
Though the Mormon Church currently has no membership nor activity within the country of Iran, there are a growing number of Iranian converts throughout the world. Maryam is one example of someone who was born and raised in Iran but eventually found the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Having found the Gospel of Jesus Christ she faced difficult challenges in accepting it when you take into account her Muslim background and upbringing.
I was born and raised in the city of Tehran, Iran and I am the oldest of 3 children, all girls. I was raised in a Muslim family and though my parents weren’t very connected with God in practice; I had a very devoted and loving Grand Father who influenced me in the way he lived and loved God in his quiet and gentle ways. From my earliest memories I had questions and great reflections on who is God, where did I come from, and where was I going especially after death. I was in grade one when Iran went through a very violent revolution. The toppling of the monarchist government into a right-wing Islamic state brought great change. Not just in that we had to wear long, dark uniforms along with full head coverings, the music restrictions or pubic laughing or normal actions for women (which violations could mean death), but loss of life for those who were related, friendly with or worked for the former government. Soon after the Islamic revolution, came the “holy” war with Iraq. Over the years we lived with the sound of sirens, days and nights in dark stairwells to escape the bombings and witnessing some of the familiar buildings in the neighborhood reduced to rubble. The value for life was lost as in the cities and on the front lines people were sacrificed for the cause of war.
We were able to move to Canada when I was fifteen. Living in a peaceful country where we could enjoy the freedom to speak, to think and to act upon our wishes without the fear of punishment or the fear of bombs and missiles was certainly refreshing. However in many ways it was difficult to leave loved ones behind. To part from one’s heritage and country is never easy. I met my eternal companion in high school. We married in 1994.
Jonathan’s unshakable testimony began to answer all my heartfelt questions of youth. However as a Muslim I feared even considering the truth in his knowledge. As I struggled he made two statements that really helped me. One was if I prayed with faith, I would receive my answer. Two, that when I heard truth, I would know it.
He was so right. Eventually while I studied Journalism in College we attended a Sacrament meeting together at Christmas. I had a wonderful experience. Jonathan’s father suggested I listen to the missionaries. I accepted. By the 3rd discussion I knew I wanted to know for myself. I decided to fast for my answer which led me to a most wonderful spiritual experience.
I was baptized on January 14, 1996 and we were sealed together in the Toronto Temple on January 16, 1997. My choice to be baptized was difficult for my family. My father at first disowned me, however, over time they have come to see the blessings of the Gospel in our lives and though our relationship is a work in progress Heavenly Father blesses us to enjoy a peaceful co-existence.
Looking back on my life I can see Heavenly Father’s hand in preparing the way for me so carefully only as He could with his infinite wisdom. I have received the answer to all my questions and have found the peace that can come with the knowledge of the plan of salvation and the blessings and privileges of the restored Gospel of Jesus Christ.
(Editor’s Note: This story was submitted and written by Maryam. I’ve added the short paragraph at the beginning and this one. Thank you Maryam for sharing your story. If you are interested in sharing your conversion story or experience with the Mormon Church abroad, please visit the Contribute page. Further you can submit your story through the Submission Form or by emailing it to mormonworld@gmail.com Also, we’ve previously written about the history of the Mormon Church in Iran if you’re interested.)
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