Too Many to Jail: The story of Iran's new Christians

In 1979, there were fewer than 500 known Christians from a Muslim background in Iran. Today there are at least 100,000 believers. Church leaders believe that millions can be added to the church in the next few years - such is the spiritual hunger that exists. The religious violence that accompanied the reign of President Ahmadinejad drained its perpetrators of political and religious legitimacy, and has opened the door to other faiths. This book sets the rapid church growth in Iran in the context of the deteriorating relationship between Iranians and their national religion. There is a major focus on the Ahmadinejad years, but the author also covers the history of the church before 1979, developing the central idea that the spark may have become buried in the ashes, but has never been extinguished. The book is careful, proportionate, well-informed and accurate. Throughout the text there are stories of faith, persecution, and encouragement.

About the Author :
Mark Bradley is a senior researcher and communications officer working with a charity in the Middle East, whose mission is to strengthen and expand the church in the Iran region and beyond.

Review :
“Credibly documents what appears in Iran to be the greatest response to Christ among Muslims ever known in history! From an analysis of recent political history, and the efficacy of house churches, one can now understand why so many Iranians have bowed their knee to the Lord Jesus Christ.” “When I want to understand what is happening behind the opaque walls surrounding modern-day Iran, I always turn to Mark Bradley. Mark’s lucid writing and extraordinary research provide the reader with an unforgettable experience of seeing what God is doing and how He is at work giving birth to His kingdom today inside the Islamic Republic of Iran. I highly recommend to any follower of Jesus Christ, Mark's latest book: Too Many to Jail.” “We have worked with Elam for many years. We feel privileged to have personal connection with some of those whose stories you tell, and count them our friends. It is a privilege to endorse this book.” “A precise, honest and informative account of ordeals of a growing (Muslim-background) Christian population inside Iran. This affirming message of perseverance, hope and faith will excite and challenge the reader... a must read.” “Without exception history proves that persecution always provides fertile soil for the growth of His church through the Gospel. Read and see this truth delineated in the story of Iran.” “This is a compelling, inspirational and hopeful book. Once I started reading I could not put it down. Mark Bradley skilfully and accurately leads us through the story of the church in Iran today. This book is an act of great service to those who want to know what has happened and is happening with the church in Iran. Through reading Too Many to Jail my admiration and appreciation for the church in Iran – and Iranians - has grown along with an understanding of the circumstances in which such remarkable growth is taking place. If you are tempted to believe that God does anything the same way twice read this book and let this Iranian story teach you. If you are tempted to believe there is anything more beautiful on the planet than the church of Jesus Christ read this book and let God speak to you through the Iranian church in the middle of its weakness, empowering and glory.” “Too Many To Jail is a story of “lovely pain”: a story of unfailing and costly love not only about Iranian converts and house churches, but also about the manifestation of Christ in Iranian society and cultures. On one hand it describes pain, struggles and challenges; on the other it tells of hope, growth and courage.” “As the son of Iranian martyr, Haik Hovsepian Mehr, I can relate to many instances in this book. I admire Mark Bradley, who has so carefully researched and presented the facts about the persecuted believers in Iran. He gives a 360 degree view of the fastest growing church in the world, in the face of political and governmental oppression. Too Many to Jail is not merely an informative read that helps us stand with Iranians in prayer, but it inspires us by their stories to grow in our walk with the Lord.”