Khalaj in Iran

Did you know there are Turks living in Iran? The Khalaj are such a group, and they live south of Qom, a major city south of the Iranian capital city of Tehran. The Iranian Khalaj speak an ancient dialect of Turkish, and their name means "to stay hungry." Unlike most Turks, they are Shia Muslims. There are no known Christians among them.

Ministry Obstacles

The current Iranian politics are the greatest hindrance to gospel advance and witness among the Khalaj. Traditional Islamic attitudes toward Christ as only a prophet and its belief that the Bible is "corrupt" stand in the way of their giving the gospel a fair hearing. The Bible, Christian literature and broadcasts are not available in their primary language although they are available in Farsi, Iran’s national language.

Outreach Ideas

Churches need to adopt these people for prayer. The Bible needs to be translated into Khalaj Turkish. Christian anthropologists and linguists can study their language and culture and witness to them.

Scripture Focus

"Beware of false prophets, who come to you in sheep’s clothing but inwardly are ravenous wolves. You will recognize them by their fruits. Are grapes gathered from thornbushes, or figs from thistles?"  Matthew 7:15-16

Scripture Prayer

Pray that the Lord gives this people group the discernment to recognize false prophets and the grace to know the true Prophet, Priest and King, Jesus Christ.

Prayer Focus

Pray for Iranian Christians to reach these Turks. Pray for Bible translation, Christian literature and media to become easily accessible to them. Pray they would grow weary of the false righteousness of Shia Islam and find truth in Jesus Christ.