Mazanderani in Iran
The Mazanderani live in northern Iran’s Mazandaran province, bordering the Caspian Sea. It is there that early Iranian civilization flourished. Historically, this province had been invaded by outsiders, beginning with the Mongols in the 1200s and 1300s. In 1723, the region was conquered by the Russian Empire. The coast of the province is dominated by marshy plains. Farther inland, it merges into the highlands. Although the province is strategically located on the Caspian Sea, the coast lacks good natural harbors. This has forced them to build an artificial harbor.
The Mazanderani are an ethnic mix of Turkic tribes, Armenians, and Russian immigrants. Other smaller groups include the Qadikolahi and the Palavi. The language of the majority, also called Mazanderani (or Palari), remains unwritten. This language is closely tied to Farsi, the official language of Iran.
Many of the Mazanderani are uneducated. The fact that their language is not yet in written form presents a roadblock to their cultural and spiritual progress. Perhaps Christian teachers will have the greatest opportunity to work among this people group. There is a university in the town of Babol that may provide open doors for linguists who are willing to create a written script for the Mazanderani language.
Prayer is the key to seeing these precious people reached with the Good News.
Prayer Points
Ask the Lord to call people who are willing to go to Iran and share Christ with the Mazanderani.
Pray for the salvation of key Mazanderani leaders who will boldly proclaim the Gospel.
Ask the Holy Spirit to soften the hearts of the Mazanderani towards Christians so that they will be receptive to the Gospel.
Pray that God will open the hearts of Iran’s governmental leaders to the Gospel.
Ask the Lord to raise up intercessors who will faithfully stand in the gap for the Mazanderani.
Ask the Lord to raise up strong local churches among the Mazanderani.
Use these resources to help pray specifically each day.
Psalm 106:1: "Praise the Lord! Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good! His faithful love endures forever."
ReadPsalm 104:1: "Let all that I am praise the Lord. O Lord my God, how great you are! You are robed with honor and majesty."
ReadPsalm 100:4, "...enter his gates with thanksgiving... and his courts with praise. Give thanks to him and praise his name."
ReadPsalm 98:4 says, "Shout to the Lord, all the earth; break out in praise and sing for joy!"
ReadPsalm 96:4, we declare together: "Great is the Lord! He is most worthy of praise! He is to be feared above all gods."
ReadPsalm 95:1: "Come, let us sing to the Lord! Let us shout joyfully to the Rock of our salvation."
ReadPsalm 86:12: "With all my heart I will praise you, O Lord my God. I will give glory to your name forever"
ReadPsalm 66:4: "…I can never stop praising you; I declare your glory all day long."
ReadPsalm 66:4 declares: "Everything on earth will worship you; they will sing your praises, shouting your name in glorious songs."
ReadPsalms 63:3 declares, "Your unfailing love is better than life itself; how I praise you!"
ReadPsalm 48:1, "How great is the Lord, how deserving of praise, in the city of our God, which sits on his holy mountain!
ReadPsalm 47:6, "Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises!"
ReadPsalm 34:1, "I will praise the Lord at all times. I will constantly speak His praises."
ReadPsalm 33:1, "Let the godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him."
ReadPsalm 30:4, "...sing to the Lord, all you godly ones! Praise his holy name."
ReadPsalm 29:2 to "Honor [You] for the glory of [Your] name" and "worship [You] in the splendor of Your holiness."
ReadPsalm 19:1, "...Heavens proclaim the glory of God. The skies display [Your] craftsmanship."
Read“When Paul placed his hands on them, the Holy Spirit came on them…” Acts 19:6
ReadActs 13:2 records, “The Holy Spirit said, ‘Set apart for me Barnabas and Saul…’”
Read"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Read“God anointed Jesus [to bring the Good News]… with the Holy Spirit and power.” Acts 10:38
Read"Jesus…has sent me so that you may see again and be filled with the Holy Spirit." Acts 9:17
Read"Then Peter and John placed their hands on them, and they received the Holy Spirit." Acts 8:17
Read“We are witnesses… and so is the Holy Spirit, whom God has given to those who obey him.” Acts 5:32
Read“They were all filled with the Holy Spirit and spoke the word of God boldly.” Acts 4:31
Read“...in the last days, [You][ will pour out my Spirit on all people..." Acts 2:17
Read"All of them were filled with the Holy Spirit and began to speak in other tongues as the Spirit enabled them." Acts 2:1–4
Read“You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.” Acts 1:8
Read"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away." Revelation 21:4
Read"I pray that you may enjoy good health and that all may go well with you, even as your soul is getting along well." 3 John 1:2
Read"Stretch out your hand to heal and perform signs and wonders through the name of your holy servant Jesus." Acts 4:30
Read“He welcomed them and spoke to them about the Kingdom of God, and healed those who needed healing.” Luke 9:11
Read“The people all tried to touch him, because power was coming from him and healing them all.” Luke 6:19
Read“He said to her, ‘Daughter, your faith has healed you. Go in peace and be freed from your suffering.” Mark 5:34
Read"...went through all the towns and villages…healing every disease and sickness," Matthew 9:35
Read