Karingani in Iran

The Karingani are a minority language group in Iran, who are Muslim. They live near the Azerbaijani border and south of the Caspian Sea in stone or adobe housing. That is beginning to change due to the impact of urban culture. They primarily farm rice, wheat and barley while others weave rugs and make felt. The Karingani practice Shia Islam mixed with animistic beliefs in spirits and sacred groves, used for spirit worship. They fear the Red Woman, who is responsible for infant and maternal mortality. Thus, their form of Islam is blended with ancient beliefs. There are no known Christ followers among them.

Ministry Obstacles

There is no Bible in their primary language. Current Islamic politics close them off from a traditional missionary presence.

Outreach Ideas

Christian anthropologists and linguists could live and work among them to study their lives and language. With knowledge of the language, these Christian believers can later produce radio and television materials.

Scripture Focus

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden."  Matthew 5:14

Scripture Prayer

Pray for this people group to become a light to the world reflecting the goodness and grace of Jesus Christ.

Prayer Focus

Pray the Holy Spirit would prepare them for a Christ encounter. Pray they would become disillusioned with the current Islamic regime and begin to seek and find the true holiness personified by Jesus Christ. Pray for Christian linguists and anthropologists to live and work among them to do Bible translation and witness. Pray for a people movement among them that will extend to others.