Iran (MNN) — Next time you log into social media — say dorood!
“Dorood” means hello in Persian. As many Iranians turn to social media to seek truth beyond government censorship, a simple greeting from a friendly evangelist with a powerful message can change their life forever.
Farzad’s* journey with Christ began in his teenage years, influenced by his siblings’ faith, movie “The Gospel of Luke” (1979) and Yahoo Messenger chats in Iran. He says: “There was [an] online church in Farsi. They said, Kelisaye Interneti. And I found many friends there.” He also explored a Muslim Yahoo chatroom but grew discouraged by constant Sunni-Shia debates. The Christian chat felt different. “I could feel Holy Spirit among them,” he says.
Woman behind laptop (photo courtesy of Krismas via Unsplash)
The seeker became the Messenger!
Today, Farzad is a dedicated internet missionary. He once used Instagram and Facebook but now finds Telegram most effective. In the past two years, he has led twenty people to Christ! His method is simple: he creates a Christian profile, joins Persian chats, and builds friendships. “The best thing in Telegram is going to a group with a few members, for example, 200-300 members, and being with them, being among them and just talking with them — not directly about God, but without hiding your faith,” Farzad explains.
People notice his avatar and start asking questions: What do you do in Christianity? Do you fast? Do you have namaz (prayer)? They’re curious about the differences between Christianity and Islam, but most importantly, they want to hear his personal story.
“Then I share my testimony in a voice message. And it takes one hour, usually, because it’s not just my testimony, it’s my life story — from when I was five to now. I explain how I became a believer, how my parents, how my siblings… and it takes time. Then they always need time to process, to think about it, and the prayer helps a lot,” says Farzad.
It takes time, Farzad says, but after a few months, some return with a clear desire to know Christ. “If it’s time, I give them the salvation prayer, and I say, ‘Do you want me to pray with you? You can do that by yourself.’ From each group, usually at least two or three people come with their questions and get discipled.”
And after a simple greeting and a season of searching, an Iranian soul finds its rest in Jesus’ embrace.
Find your place in the story!
Many ministries are reaching out to Iranians, but the need for online evangelists is greater than ever. So next time you go online and meet an Iranian, don’t hesitate to say dorood! Your conversation might be the very start of their exciting journey to knowing Christ.
*Full name withheld for security.
Header photo courtesy of Haftohasht Innovation Studio via Pexels.
