Iran

Partner with Local Missionaries in Iran

Located in the 10/40 Window

Slightly smaller than Alaska, Iran is the second largest country in the Middle East. This Islamic republic borders Iraq, Turkmenistan, Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Pakistan, Turkey, the Persian Gulf, Caspian Sea, and Gulf of Oman. One of the most mountainous countries in the world, Iran is also home to deserts and coastal plains. Tehran, its capital city, is the most populous city in Western Asia.

Known as Persia until 1935, Iran became an Islamic republic in 1979 with a theocratic system of government the gives ultimate authority to the ayatollah, commonly referred to as the Supreme Leader. Designated as a state sponsor of terrorism, Iran has received widespread criticism for its unequal rights for women and human rights abuses, including persecution and arrest of those critical of the government. In 2019 and 2020, police killed thousands of people who participated in protests demanding reforms or abolishment of the Islamic Republic.

Iran’s economy suffers from high unemployment, especially among women and college-educated young people, and low international investment. Two-thirds of its population is under the age of 25.

The Persian majority is very family-oriented and love gathering together to socialize and laugh. In public settings, they abide by the strict rules of Islamic dress and customs to avoid penalties, but they are very different in private—fun-loving and open-minded. While the majority profess to be Muslim—98% of Iran’s total population is officially Shia Muslim—only a small percentage of Persians are actual practicing Muslims. Ministry workers report a great openness to the gospel among them.

Unfortunately, under Shariah law, Christians in Iran are forbidden to evangelize, produce gospel literature, or hold church services in Farsi, the country’s official language. Technically, any Muslim who leaves Islam is subject to the death penalty. According to Open Doors, house churches are frequently raided and “dozens of Christians are imprisoned in appalling conditions.” In 2018, over 100 Christians were arrested in a single week.

Aware that many Iranian citizens are resistant to radical Islam and open to exploring God’s Word, an indigenous ministry has created an online interactive magazine for Persian-speaking children, which culturally addresses biblical and universal ethics. Support for this ministry will help them cover production costs.

Sources: Joshua Project, Open Doors, Wikipedia, CIA World Factbook

83.8 million

Population

1.19%

Evangelical Population:

People Groups:

Unreached People Groups:

How to Pray for Iran

Pray that, despite the oppressive restrictions of Shariah law, multitudes of Iranians would come to know the one true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pray for boldness, courage, and wisdom for Iranian Christians as they seek to live out their faith and share the gospel with others at great risk to themselves and their families.
Pray for those believers who are currently suffering in prison for their commitment to Christ—that their release would happen soon and that they would remain faithful to the Lord while in chains.

More stories from Iran

Supply Poor Families With Rug-Making Supplies in Iran

Widows and poor families from among a ministry’s church groups were provided with supplies to make carpets, prayer rugs, and embroidery to sell and support themselves. “This carpet-making from the home is really helping those families in many ways,” the ministry leader said. The ministry hopes to equip 40 families with rug-making supplies and requests donations of $233, the amount necessary to provide such supplies to just one family. Pray believers would be encouraged through this assistance.

Iranian Security Officials Supernaturally Blinded, Missionaries Protected

As missionaries Omid* and Alborz* approached a roadside security checkpoint, they tried not to glance at the bag of 40 Bibles sitting in the front seat of their car. Their destination was a small village in which they planned to distribute those Bibles—an illegal act with severe consequences—and they knew their faith in the Lord’s protection over them was about to be put to a serious, life-threatening test. As they slowed their car to comply with the checkpoint’s rules, they tried not to think about the disaster that would unfold if the Iranian security guards—now motioning them to stop—searched their car and discovered their not-so-hidden contraband. Instead, they prayed. “God, please, we surrender to you because they will search everywhere,” Omid whispered. “Take care of us.”

Provide Gospel Tools in Iran

Local missionaries are praying that people will be curious about Christianity and read the 30,000 New Testaments they recently distributed in 250 new towns and villages. One worker went into three states, baptized new believers and trained Christians to lead churches. Each month the ministry brings five people across the border to Iraq, where it is safer to provide them a five-day training in evangelism and church leadership. The ministry also provided training for its first Peshmerga family last summer. Workers need donations to provide such evangelism and discipleship. They request prayer that the Lord would raise up more workers.

Equip Gospel Workers in Iran

A group of new Christians has begun meeting led by a member of their ethnic group. Elsewhere, native Christian workers shared the gospel with a woman whose husband and child had accepted Christ, and a few days later she had a dream and called a leader, who along with his wife led her to saving faith. At a recent training day for new Christians, some brought their friends, and three new people were saved. Workers then spent two days training home church leaders. Donations of $25 or $50 are sought for such evangelism and discipleship. Pray the Lord will fulfill every work of faith with His power.

Enable Gospel Outreach in Iran

Native Christian workers taking Bibles to a remote village where evangelizing comes with great risks met a man with a large tattoo on his neck. He was shocked when they offered him a Bible, as it was forbidden in the strict Islamic area, but he had been wanting one. The workers studied Scripture with him and led him to trust in Christ, and now he is sharing his faith and baptizing others. Workers need donations of $25 or $50 to carry out such gospel outreach and guide new Christians. Pray that God will honor the faith of more workers taking risks to share the gospel.

Help Share Saving Grace in Iran

An elderly woman was in evident pain from an illness she had suffered for six years when native Christian workers visited her. After they had prayed for her for five minutes, she began to feel relief and got better as they continued praying. The workers shared the gospel with her and her adult son, and they accepted Christ’s grace. Later a worker followed up with the son by phone. “He said that his mom had passed away the night before, but he was happy because his mom came to faith before she died," the ministry leader said. Workers need donations of $60 or $120 for such gospel work. Pray the Lord would continue revealing Himself to many people.