Pray for Azerbaijanis

Thank you for joining over 6,000 people in praying during this Ramadan!

As you pray today look back over the past month and continue praying what God has put on your heart.

Pray that God will continue working powerfully in this place.

Before you leave check out the end of campaign stats page and consider sharing with us about your prayer time (E.g. testimonies, insights, blessings, etc.)

Harvest Workers are Few

As God answers our prayers and draws Azerbaijanis to himself, they need Christian brothers and sisters to teach them how to follow Jesus. Now more than ever, there is a great need for more harvest workers to find those who God has prepared to receive Jesus, and welcome new believers into his Kingdom.

Spiritually Ready

Though Azerbaijanis are not always religious, they consider themselves to be spiritual people. Many are ready to hear Good News about Jesus, but they have not met a believer who can share with them.

Bread is Life

For Azerbaijanis, bread is life. No meal is complete without bread at the table. And there are some remarkable cultural practices related to bread that have some spiritual implications. 

Singing and Dancing

Their dancing can tell you much about the culture. Despite many hardships and challenges, there is much goodness in life to celebrate. So they celebrate with much fervor.

Taking Time for Tea

The most important thing is taking time for relationships. Azerbaijanis will drop everything to spend time with a friend. In fact, attending to an unexpected guest can be an acceptable excuse for being late to an appointment. 

Relationship Networks

Azerbaijanis have a collectivist culture, where loyalty, sharing, and helping others are strong values. When one has a need, and the other has a resource, it is a natural thing to share.

Hospitality

Receiving hospitality is a bridge of opportunity for sharing Good News about Jesus. As a host shares their best, so we too can share the best we have to offer.

Blessings

Giving these kinds of blessings are common for Azerbaijani people. Frequently, the name of God is invoked on behalf of the person being blessed. Whether it is a blessing of compassion or gratitude, the blessing is an offering of kindness. 

Nagorno Karabakh Conflict

The wounds of war press heavily on the hearts of the Azerbaijani people.  Everyone knows someone who has been directly affected. Many have lost loved ones or are family to those returning from the war, still bearing the war physically or mentally.

Hardships for Women

Women have a vital role in the life and leadership of the church. In Iran, the house church movement is largely led by women. Women in Iran know that part of the punishment for practicing Christianity in the underground church includes rape and torture.

Economic Hardships

Life is hard, and getting ahead is seemingly impossible. But when Azerbaijanis hear of a friend in need, they often invoke this blessing: “May God give you help”.

Finding Isa in Islam

When you talk to devout Muslims, you discover that they actually hold Jesus (Isa Mesih) in high regard. He is considered one of the great prophets of Islam. Jesus is mentioned in the Quran more times than any other person.

The Legacy of Abraham

God promised Abraham that he would be the father of nations. Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike look to Abraham as the progenitor of their faith traditions. 

All the Books of Islam

When asked about the other books of Islam--the Torah, the Psalms, and the Gospel--many Muslims have a ready response. They say the other books were corrupted, and lost their meaning over time.

Oppression of Islam

In Iran, 40 years of theocratic rule has driven people away from Islam. They blame religious leaders for their hardships. The promises of a golden age under Islamic rule have been proven empty. Many people are becoming atheists, but a substantial number are turning to Jesus.  

To be Azerbaijani is to be Muslim

Most Azerbaijanis are Muslim in name only. Most have very limited knowledge of what Islam actually teaches. Most have never read the Qur’an. Most do not observe the daily prayers.

Renewing Religious Commitment

Amidst these religious explorations, there is also an opportunity for Christians to share their faith during this time of spiritual reflection. As Azerbaijan promotes religious tolerance, Christians can find avenues to engage in dialogue and fellowship, fostering understanding and mutual respect across religious boundaries.

Settling Debts

Despite these challenges, Azerbaijanis strive to uphold the tradition of paying off debts during Novruz, often relying on support from extended family networks and community resources to alleviate their financial burdens.

Returning Home

Throughout the country, bustling city streets empty as Azerbaijani families embark on journeys to their rural hometowns, carrying with them gifts, traditional foods, and heartfelt greetings. The journey home is filled with anticipation, laughter, and anticipation, as loved ones eagerly await their arrival.

Happy New Year!

Today, people throughout Iran and Azerbaijan are joyfully celebrating Novruz, a vibrant and ancient festival marking the arrival of spring and the start of a new year. Novruz, which translates to "new day" in Persian, holds deep cultural and historical significance for Azerbaijanis, symbolizing renewal, hope, and prosperity.

Spring Cleaning

As the last remnants of winter fade away, preparations for Novruz are in full swing. Novruz is the Persian New Year, which is celebrated at the spring equinox. This year, it falls on Tuesday, March 19th.

Land of Holy Fire

The word “azerbaijan” in ancient Persian means “land of holy fire.” Among Azerbaijani people, the ways of the past are deeply rooted in their culture. 

Life and Witness of Believers

For Azerbaijani believers, it is an unsettling truth that most of the people they know and love do not know Jesus. They may be the only Jesus followers in their workplace, their school, their apartment building, or even their own home.

Interest in Their Ancient Christian Heritage

Christians in Azerbaijan and Iran can look to their ancient Christian heritage as a source of inspiration and hope. A resurgent interest in their ancient Christian past can lead curious Muslims to ask questions about Jesus.

Gospel Films and Social Media

In response to quarantines, several churches began livecasting their church services and prayer meetings on Facebook and Instagram. Azerbaijanis who would never visit a church have been secretly watching these livecasts to see what Christianity is all about.

Miracles and Answered Prayers

Muslims around the world are turning to God in desperation--and discovering that He answers prayers when they ask God in the name of Jesus.

Dreams and visions

Visions and dreams are a very real part of the spiritual life of Muslims. They often accept them as signs from God. This seems strange to Westerners, but it is very common for Azerbaijani believers to share that seeing Jesus in a dream was part of what compelled them to follow him.

God revealed through Scripture

Though the Bible is available, most Azerbaijanis do not know how to get one. Only one bookstore in the whole country of Azerbaijan sells the Bible. Printed Bibles are nearly impossible to distribute to Azerbaijanis in Iran.

A People Separated

For centuries the Azerbaijani people were situated between three great empires--the Persian Empire, the Ottoman Empire, and the Russian Empire. A common language gave them a close bond with Turkish people. A common religious tradition gave them a close bond with Persian people. 

Who are the Azerbaijani people?

Perhaps you have never heard of the Azerbaijani people. So it may be surprising to learn that there are 40 million of them.