Ministry in Iran
Iran Alive Ministries is encouraging Christians and sharing the gospel with Muslims
“God is doing something great around the world. The Lord is using the sins and suffering of the world to bring people to Himself. Iran will be the first Muslim country to turn to Christ. I see it happening,” Dr. Hormoz Shariat, founder and leader of Iran Alive Ministries told a group gathered at Dallas Baptist University (DBU) on April 27.
Iran Alive Ministries Founder Dr. Hormoz Shariat / Video screenshot
With many eyes on Iran since the United States struck Iran at the end of February, DBU President Adam Wright said the event was planned to create awareness about what is happening in Iran and how Christians can pray for Iran.
Shariat was born in Iran, but came to the United States in 1979 — the year of the Islamic Revolution. He became a Christian while studying for a doctorate in computer engineering.
In 2000, he started Iran Alive Ministries — then called International Antioch Ministries — and began the first satellite broadcast to Iran in 2001.
“History is in the making in Iran. People of Iran are fed up with the regime and want it gone at any cost. They hate the regime,” Shariat said. “They have lost many friends and family members to the regime.” Shariat’s younger brother was also executed by the regime.
He said Iran has the fastest growing evangelical population of any nation in the world. He believes it is because they have experienced a radical Islamic regime for over 40 years and are tired of the violence associated with it.
He called the Ayatollah the “best minister” for the Gospel in Iran because he showed the true face of Islam.
“Iranians are so open; they are so hungry for the Gospel,” Shariat said. He claims there are about 2 million Christians in Iran, and says his ministry is aware of 121,128 Iranians who have come to salvation through the work of Iran Alive Ministries — either through satellite programming or by being led to Christ through other believers. The ministry has helped plant churches in 30 cities throughout the area.
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Iran Alive receives testimonies of God working supernaturally in Iran through visions, dreams, and healing. Once a life is changed by the Gospel, often other Iranian family members are eager to receive the Gospel also.
He said Iranians welcomed the strikes by the United States, referring to the president as “Uncle Trump.” He said they see it as liberation.
Shariat admitted that life is “miserable” for many Iranians right now. Groceries are expensive and scarce. Many are traumatized by the killing of protestors and the difficulties of living through war.
However, they say they “are willing to suffer if [they] know that Trump will finish the job.”
Iran Alive sponsored a conference in Turkey about a month ago to encourage believers from Iran, especially those working through the effects of trauma.
The conference also attempted to prepare them for their roles if the Islamic regime falls — “to rise up, have a Christian presence, and take full ownership of the Great Commission.”
Iran Alive Ministries plans to host another similar conference in Germany in July for Iranian believers who live outside the country.
Iran Alive has had some difficulty communicating with Christians on the ground in Iran, partly due to lack of internet access. When the war started, its 24/7 satellite television programming was shut down and they were cut off for about two weeks. They were able to find a new provider and are once again transmitting their programming.
Iran Alive is able to provide emergency relief to Iranian families by sending them money for needed supplies. The ministry says $300 a month will support an Iranian family in crisis.
Heather Mercer, who was captured by Taliban in Afghanistan in 2001, was also present at the DBU meeting and spoke briefly about her work in the Middle East, especially about the ministry of the Freedom Center in northern Iraq.
She said the Freedom Center was the target of two unsuccessful drone attacks by Iran. When war started, Iran tried to strike their center with 2 drones. Because of the targeted attacks, the ministry is closed temporarily for safety, and Mercer said they are “seeking God’s direction for how to navigate these challenges.”
Mercer noted that everyday people are impacted by the geopolitical events guided by world leaders. “Pray for people on the ground to have strength, wisdom, courage to stand in midst of these dynamics,” she urged.
In the MinistryWatch 1000 Database, Iran Alive Ministries has 1 out of 5 Stars for financial efficiency, an A Transparency Grade, and a Donor Confidence Score of 78, meaning donors can give with confidence.
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