There is a joke among global missions leaders: We can get you into any country in the world. We just might not be able to get you out. Until the past five years, two types of Americans could visit Iran — tourists and disaster relief teams.
At the turn of the century, Baptist missions personnel working with Persians invited my wife and me to a prayer walk in several Iranian cities. We met with several other expat believers a few months later and spent nine days in-country. Since then, I have been blessed to interview many Iranians who trace their heritage to the Persian Empire and learn from them.
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Walking among Iranians in 1999, they were kind, gracious, generous and overly suspicious. Tehran used to be the Paris of Central Asia where missionaries went to vacation. When walking through bazaars, the shopkeepers kept excitedly saying, “The Americans are back.” Most were eager to try their rusty English. Until the Shah was overthrown in 1979, many shopkeepers spoke good English.
Mary Leigh, my wife, with her tufts of blonde hair sticking out below her scarf caused a stir. Iranian women bumped into her on the street so often, that she complained to our tour guide. He simply said, “They bump into you to make you look up and see your blue eyes.” Mary Leigh had fun staring down the giggling Iranian women. However, she played the part and never looked at a man in the eyes, which is seen as a forward act.
Iran is the land of Daniel, Esther and Nehemiah. You can stand in the Citadel at Susa, and except for a crater caused by a Scud missile during the Iran/Iraq war, you can imagine Esther intervening for such a time as this. And colorful mosques had upper floors where we could pray out over the cities we visited.
Asking about ‘Truth’
After we interview many Iranian men living in the diaspora, they ask about truth. One man said, “It’s only assumed we’re Muslims.” Most Shiites don’t know the Koran.
By various reports, Iranians are — as a people — coming to faith in Christ faster than any other group in the world. Some are saying a church planting movement is underway. The word is out in missions circles to not try for months to develop a relationship with Persians. Boldly ask to share the gospel first!
If you know a Persian, tell them about your faith in Jesus. I once met a clothing store employee from Iran. He was visiting for two years. I asked if anyone had told him the truth about Jesus. He looked at me deadpan and said, “Nobody has talked to me about Jesus. I was expecting to be overwhelmed, but no Christian has even become my friend.” The next day I was able to drop off a Bible for him in his Farsi language, but I never saw him again.
Opportunity
Could God get you ready to visit Iran? Start praying!
When the doors are opened, seek out ways to visit Iran. In the meantime, seek out Persians who are living among us. Learn from them! Try a few greetings in their Farsi language. One option is to read the Koran for yourself — but with Shiites, it is not a requirement. Meet with a believing partner or a Persian believer and share the gospel among a people who are desperate for the truth about Jesus.
EDITOR’S NOTE — Mark Snowden serves as director for the Cincinnati Area Baptist Association.
