iran

  • GOVERNMENT: Islamic theocratic republic

  • POPULATION: 89 million

  • RELIGION: Majority Shia Islam (official state religion)

  • LANGUAGE: Persian (Farsi)

  • CURRENCY: Iranian Rial (IRR)

  • CLIMATE: Mostly arid/semiarid; subtropical on the Caspian coast

THE REALITY

Iran is home to various minority groups, many of them persecuted by the government and unreached by the Gospel. From Zoroastrians and Persian Jews to nomadic tribes like the Luri and Qashqai, these communities often have little to no Christian presence.

Yet the Lord is shifting the atmosphere in Iran and increasing the number of believers supernaturally. From about 500 Muslim-background believers in 1979, some estimate there are over 1 million Iranians who have come to faith. Though only a fraction participate in church life because of persecution, this revival is unlike anything seen in this country since the 7th century. Even as conversion from Islam remains illegal and punishable by death, many are coming to faith through dreams, visions, and bold believers in the underground church.

Despite being one of the most closed countries in the world, Iranians are spiritually hungry and seeking deeper meaning. Over 50,000 mosques have closed as disillusionment with the regime and Islam grows. Widespread protests, drug addiction, and social unrest reveal young people are desperate for a sense of freedom, justice, and truth. Many are turning to atheism or their ancient religion Zoroastrianism, while many others are encountering Jesus and the hope of the Gospel.

Action sports like snowboarding and skateboarding are creating unexpected opportunities for outreach, evangelism and discipleship. With over 20 ski resorts and a growing underground skate scene, the youth are gathering in communities where belonging and genuine faith can grow. In a culture where public evangelism is forbidden, action sports offer unique opportunities to build relationships over common passions while planting seeds of the Gospel.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God.s into his harvest.

2 Corinthians 5:20

Pray with us

Pray for the unreached minority groups such as the Luri, Bakhtiari, Qashqai, Azeri, Turkmen, and Gypsy communities. Ask God to raise up Persian believers and missionaries to bring the Gospel to these often-isolated people groups.

Pray for the Zoroastrians, Baha’i, and Jews in Iran. Ask God that they would encounter His love through courageous believers, dreams, and supernatural encounters, even amidst cultural resistance and persecution.

Pray for outreach and evangelism efforts to grow. Especially among Persian-background Christians who are beginning to engage unreached groups, ask God to strengthen and multiply their ministry for lasting impact.