Persian in Denmark

People Name:	Persian
Country:	Denmark
10/40 Window:	No
Population:	17,000
World Population:	46,396,400
Primary Language:	Persian, Iranian
Primary Religion:	Islam
Christian Adherents:	2.00 %
Evangelicals:	0.20 %
Scripture:	Complete Bible
Online Audio NT:	Yes
Jesus Film:	Yes
Audio Recordings:	Yes
People Cluster:	Persian
Affinity Bloc:	Persian-Median
Progress Level:

Introduction / History

The Persians are a people rich in history and culture, respect and honor. They enjoy a history of many powerful empires of kings and kingdoms, poetry, art and advances in math and science. They were typically ruled by a king until the late 1970s when their last king or shah was overthrown by Islamic revolutionists. Now Iran is an Islamic theocracy under the ayatollah, or religious leader. The revolution is still fresh in many of their memories, and the current government has a heavy hand on them in many aspects of their life. From 1979 on, many Persians have left Iran to start new lives in places like Denmark.

Persians live mostly in Iran, however many fled the country during the revolution due to religious and ideological persecution. There are many living around the world, with big populations now in Germany, England and the United States. A smaller number of them live in Denmark.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Most of the Iranians who fled to Denmark are from the middle class. Persians are fiercely devoted to family, and they have frequent family get-togethers. They enjoy music, dancing, games and get-togethers. They love to laugh and have a great sense of humor.

Though there are still some Persians moving to Denmark, most of them are in the second or even the third generation. These people are well-acculturated, they speak Danish and sometimes turn their backs on the culture of Iran.

What Are Their Beliefs?

Though they are officially Shia Muslim, most Persian refugees are secular. They don't want to have anything to do with the religion which is ruining their country of origin. But some are finding Christ, especially in secular Europe.

What Are Their Needs?

Persians need a spiritual hunger that will give them the willingness to embrace Jesus Christ. He came not to put them under the bondage of the law, but to set them free from sin and death. Many Persians have become disillusioned with anything spiritual. They need to see the gentle Christ who offers life to the full.

Prayer Points

Pray for a full harvest of the Persian people.
Pray that the believers in Iran will be willing to take his grace, mercy and love to Persians all over the world.
Pray that the Disciple Making Movement in Iran would spread to Denmark.
Pray the Lord would meet Persians in supernatural ways.