Most Azeri or Azerbaijani Turks live in the nations of Iran and Azerbaijan east of the Caspian Sea. A smaller population lives in eastern Turkey, and even fewer are in Jordan and Syria.
Azeri Turks in Jordan must learn a new language and navigate an Arabic culture. They are Shia Muslims in a Sunni Muslim land.
Azeri Turks in Jordan are Shia Muslims. Although many Bible resources exist in Azeri Turkish, language of Azerbaijani, most Azeris have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel or know someone who can share the good news with them. Both Sunnis and Shias, the two main branches of Islam, agree that Allah is the one true God, and Mohammad was his messenger. One group, which eventually became the Shias, felt Mohammad's successor should be someone in his bloodline, while the other, which became the Sunnis, felt a pious individual who would follow the Prophet's teachings was the right choice. The successor who the Shia believe was right leader, Ali, met a violent, martyr's death. Unlike the Sunnis, the Shias understand that a righteous man can be killed. Like Christians during the Middle Ages, Muslims believe that winning battles demonstrates Allah's favor. Though there is a certain amount of justice for those without power, might makes right is the general rule for Muslims. There are no known followers of Christ among the Azeri Turkish people.
The Azeri Turks in Jordan need to know that the only way to God is through Jesus Christ. They cannot earn it through works or by obeying the teachings of the Koran. Salvation by grace rather than works results in a major worldview change. An Azeri who follows Christ will face persecution from both his family and society.
Pray that then Holy Spirit will produce a hunger that will overpower fear.
Pray for Azeri Turk family leaders to have dreams of the risen and victorious Christ that will open them to Jesus.
Pray for a "Book of Acts" type of movement to Christ to begin among the Azeri Turkish people.
Pray the believers in Jordan would be led to share the gospel with the Azeris.
Pray that the Lord would lead Azeris to listen to Azeris radio broadcasts or to watch Christian TV programs.
Scripture Prayers for the Azerbaijani, Azeri Turk in Jordan.
References
| Profile Source: Joshua Project |
