Persian and Arab Iranians are both unreached people groups from Iran. Half of all Iranians are ethnically Persian, while only 2% are ethnically Arab. Yet both groups predominately adhere to Shia Islam, which means they believe in a divinely appointed successor to Muhammad through a family lineage and the return of a promised redeemer of Islam called the Mahdi. Many Iranians in the United States are highly educated and very successful across various professions. There could be as many as 500,000 to 1 million Iranians in the United States, with approximately 1,000 in Arkansas. Most of them live around Little Rock and Fayetteville. Though there are some believers among them, most Persian and Arab Iranians are Shi’ite Muslims.

There are a little over 100 Persian housholds in the Little Rock area with a few known believers. There is no current focused ministry with the Persians.

Prayer Requests:

• Pray specifically for evangelical Christians to develop sincere friendships with Iranians, and to be faithful in sharing the eternal hope they have in Jesus.
• Pray that God would reveal himself to Shi’ite Muslim Iranians through dreams, visions, and miracles.
• Pray for new Iranian believers to be bold insharing their faith and encouraged through fellowship with others.

Partnership Opportunities:

• Pray! Pray for these requests listed and for the Persians. Pray how God would have you become more involved.
• If you live in Central Arkansas and want to know how you can actively become involved with reaching the Persians and/or helping start this church plant, contact Vince below.