Shirazi in Tanzania
shee-RAH-zee

The name Shirazi is used by some Africans who identify their heritage and ancestry with the ancient Persian province, Shiraz. According to legend, a Shiraz prince had a nightmare that he interpreted as meaning evil would soon destroy him, so he set sail, and eventually landed in Zanzibar, an island off the coast of Tanzania. Shirazi sometimes consider themselves a separate ethnic group from the Swahili, though Swahili is their mother tongue and trade language. Bible resources are available in Swahili. Widespread poverty plagues Shirazi. To those willing to go, the Shirazi need support in the areas of education, literacy, medicine, water wells and agricultural skills.

Ministry Obstacles
Shirazi are almost entirely Muslim, but they also practice folk religion and witchcraft. A move to follow Jesus would make a Shirazi person an outcast. They would face rejection by family and community.

Scripture Focus
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful."  Hebrews 10:23

Scripture Prayer
Pray that the believers in today’s people group would hold fast to the hope they have in Christ.

Prayer Focus
Pray for the Shirazi to understand and embrace that Jesus wants to bless their families and neighborhoods. Pray for the Lord to open the hearts of Shirazi family leaders to experience God's blessing through a movement of discovery Bible studies. Pray for a move of the Holy Spirit to draw many to take a step of faith and embrace Christ. Pray that nearby believers in Tanzania and Kenya will reach out to the Shirazi.

Presented by Joshua Project
www.joshuaproject.net