by Rev. Dr. Allen Church
This week’s terrible news about the Islamic Republic of Iran executing 19-year-old star wrestler Saleh Mohammadi for protesting against the Khamenei regime illustrates its continued brutality. It also reminds me of my work for liberty in Iran with Moslem Eskandar-Filabi, an Iranian Olympic wrestling hero.
Moslem competed for Iran in the 1968, 1972, and 1976 Summer Olympics. He was Iran’s flag bearer in the 1974 Asian Olympics where he won gold medals. In the 1976 Olympics he was also Iran’s flag bearer. He has won 17 international medals (gold, silver, and bronze). He competed in five different wrestling styles, which is extremely rare. In Iran, accomplished wrestlers are considered national heroes with significant moral and social influence. This is probably one reason Saleh was executed.
I remember Moslem telling my wife Debbie and me that he left the Munich Olympics right before the terrorist attack because he had to return to Iran for a wedding. Later, he came to the United States and earned a master’s degree from George Washington University. As a U.S. citizen, he continues to work for a free Iran.
Please continue to pray for a free Iran recovering its God-given rights to liberty. May the tyrants be defeated. And pray for the church in Iran, that it may be protected and influential in Iran’s future under the rule of the Savior King, Jesus Christ.
