The Iranians

The Iranians
Population: 70 million

Iran, a large country (the size of France, Spain, Italy and Germany combined) formerly known as Persia, is not an Arab country — it is composed of Persians, Azeris and over 65 other ethnic groups. Iran’s history goes back to the days of the Persian Empire. Iran has been a Muslim country since about AD650, but the majority of Iranians did not become Muslim until the ninth century. Most are Shiite Muslims. After centuries of monarchy the Islamic Republic of Iran was established in 1979. The state and religion are very closely linked, at least officially. The country’s religious leaders exercise power through a variety of public regulations, from dress codes for women to alcohol prohibition. In private homes, however, different rules are often applied.

A typical young Iranian is intelligent, charming, interested in everything Western, but not very interested in Islam. Many Iranian young people long for freedom. Unfortunately, the term “freedom” is often defined by how Western media sees the term — which essentially means that almost anything is acceptable (this is not God’s perspective). Today, more than half of Iran’s population is under 25 years old. Several student movements have been repressed in recent decades, slowly pushing the young generation towards apathy. Some have largely lost hope in politics and religion; many have fled reality through drugs.

A decision for Jesus is of great consequence for Iranians, since missionary activities are strictly forbidden in Iran. The threat of death is real to an Iranian who converts to any other belief. Despite this, God is building His kingdom in Iran, especially through house churches. “Muslims in Iran are coming to faith in Christ by the thousands,” according to reports of the organisation Open Doors. One Iranian pastor comments: “In the 1980s, we rejoiced over two or three new believers each month. In the 1990s, we were impressed when we heard about a group of new believers. Today, we are just somewhat surprised to discover an entire new underground church.”

Remarkable things are also happening among the 4-5 million Iranians who live outside Iran. Many are refugees who were forced to leave Iran. Thousands have come to Christ, and Iranian fellowships have sprung up in many countries throughout Europe and North America, as well as in other countries such as Turkey and Australia. A new evangelistic Iranian film called The Tune of Nostalgia has been produced and is now being distributed among the Iranian diaspora. It describes the hardships of Iranian refugees in Europe.

Prayer points

* Pray that the politicians and religious leaders of Iran will respect basic human rights and act for the well-being of their people.
* Pray that disillusioned Muslims in Iran will find the Lord.
* Pray for the protection of believers from a Muslim background.
* Pray for the fruitfulness of satellite TV broadcasts and internet evangelism efforts.
* Pray for the growth and development of the many Iranian fellowships scattered throughout many countries.
* Pray for the distribution of Bibles, books and DVDs such as the film The Tune of Nostalgia.

Copyright 2005 by 30-Days International. All rights reserved