Project Description

5. Azerbaijani, Azeri Turk in Iran

A people of 16 million with less than 16 thousand known believers

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  • Population: 16,140,000

  • Christians: 0.1% – 16,100

  • Workers Needed: 323

  • Language: Azerbaijani, South

  • Written Scripture: Complete Bible

  • Movements: None Reported

  • Religion: Islam

  • Oral Scripture: Complete Bible

Azerbaijani, Azeri Turk in Iran

In Iran this people group is known formally as Azeri, but informally the Azeris and other Turkic speaking Iranian populations are commonly referred to as
“Tork” (Turk). Despite past friction, the Azeri in Iran are now well incorporated into the wider community. The living conditions of Azeris in Iran is very similar to that of Persian in Iran.

Ministry Obstacles

Political unrest, runaway inflation and disillusionment with theocratic rulers may tempt the Tork to bitterness toward God.

Outreach Opportunities

Pray for the strong gospel movement already blessing Iranian families to spread through existing relationships and a shared trade language into the Turkic community. Pray for this gospel movement among Farsi speakers to spread also among Tork families, as a reproducible example in the Middle East
of how gospel movements can spread from one people group to another.

Pray for the followers of Christ

There are a few believers among the Tork of Iran. Pray for these believers to bless and serve their families well, so the gospel is first seen, then easily heard.

Pray for the entire people group

Pray the Ephesians 3:20–21 blessing over Tork households, leading not only to their own gospel movement, but movements spreading into other neighboring peoples of Turkic origin. The Qur’an honors Jesus (Isa al Masih) as a great prophet born of a virgin. Pray that, as the Tork read the Qur’an, they will have dreams and visions of Jesus, and be drawn to Jesus the Messiah, and to the Bible to learn more about Jesus.

Scripture focus

“Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the
church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.” Ephesians 3:20

If you have worked with this people group, know someone who has, or have access to stories or information about this group, we would love to hear from you. More information means more focused, strategic prayer. Your personal information always will remain confidential.

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