Who We Are
God, by His Grace, has positioned us to have a major role in the fulfillment of His promise to set His throne in Iran (Jeremiah 49:38), and has gifted us with an exceptional team of word-class leaders.
God is at Work in Iran
Iran Alive Ministries was founded in 2000 with a vision to transform Iran into a Christian nation.
The ministry uses modern technology, such as satellite broadcasting and virtual platforms, to reach an estimated 130 million viewers in Iran and neighboring nations. Iran Alive has planted one of the largest underground church networks inside Iran and has a three-year online training, discipleship, and leadership development school.
- Iran has the fastest growing evangelical community in the world.
- The ministry of Iran Alive reaches an average of 6 million Farsi-speaking Iranians daily.
- Iran Alive has distributed 100,000+ Bibles in the country since 2001.
- Iran Alive has seen 115,000+ documented decisions for Christ since 2001.
- 3300+ students are currently enrolled in Iran Alive’s online equipping school being trained to serve the Lord.
A Muslim-Turned-Christian Pastor Who Is Bringing the Gospel to Iran
Dr. Hormoz Shariat is a remarkable individual whose journey is nothing short of awe-inspiring. He is known as “the Billy Graham of Iran,” and when you learn about his life, you’ll understand why. Joel C. Rosenberg, a renown author, has even hailed him as “the most influential Iranian American.” But there’s so much more to Dr. Shariat than just titles and accolades. His story is one of deep personal conviction, heartbreak, and unwavering faith.
Imagine growing up in Iran, surrounded by the rich traditions and beliefs of a Muslim household. That was Dr. Shariat’s reality. But everything changed in 1980 when he made a life-altering decision. Engaging in a profound comparative study of the Bible and the Quran, he discovered a truth that resonated deep within his soul. He became a follower of Jesus, embarking on a path that would define the rest of his life.
However, his journey was not without its share of hardships. Dr. Shariat experienced unimaginable loss when his beloved brother, Hamraz, fell victim to a tragic fate. Arrested at the tender age of 16 on a minor political charge, Hamraz endured two agonizing years in jail before meeting his untimely demise at the hands of a firing squad. The grief and pain Dr. Shariat felt were indescribable. Yet, amidst the darkness, he found a glimmer of hope a calling to love and reach out to Muslims, sharing the transformative power of the Gospel with as many as he could.
Armed with a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from the prestigious University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Bible and Theology from Jessup University, Dr. Shariat began his ministry journey. In 1987, he took a leap of faith and planted a church in San Jose, California. Little did he know that this church would grow to become one of the largest of its kind in the United States, with hundreds of Muslim converts finding solace, community, and a profound connection to their newfound faith.
But the story doesn’t end there. In the year 2000, guided by divine purpose, Dr. Shariat founded Iran Alive Ministries. This organization harnessed the power of Satellite TV to reach millions of lost and broken souls not only in Iran but throughout the Middle East. From their studio in Dallas, Texas, they broadcast the Gospel 24/7, driven by an unyielding belief that God will use their efforts to bring about a transformation in an Islamic nation like never before.
Dr. Shariat’s dedication to his mission is palpable. It’s fueled by a burning desire to prevent others from experiencing the heartache and tragedy that befell his own family. His passion is driven by a conviction that the people of Iran, a nation poised for change on spiritual, social, financial, and political fronts, will be the first Islamic nation to embrace Christ wholeheartedly. He sees a future where Iran becomes a Christian nation a prophecy that resonates deeply within his being and is promised in Jeremiah 49:38.
But Dr. Shariat’s impact extends beyond the borders of Iran. He is equally committed to serving the American people by providing them with a unique perspective on Iran and its implications for the United States. Drawing on his personal experiences as a former Muslim and his expertise in the field, he unravels the complexities of current events in the Middle East through a Christian lens. With authenticity and empathy, he helps viewers comprehend Islam and sheds light on the motivations driving the actions of Muslims in Iran. Through captivating stories and
testimonials from Persians currently living in Iran, Dr. Shariat both enlightens and surprises listeners, revealing a side of Iran they may never have known.
Leadership
Dr. Hormoz Shariat is the founder and president of Iran Alive Ministries (IAM), a Christian ministry that uses satellite broadcasting and the internet to reach Iranians with the gospel. He is an Iranian Muslim convert who has a Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence from the University of Southern California and a BA in Bible and Theology from Jessup University.
Dr. Shariat has been featured in Christianity Today, Charisma, and other publications. He has also been a guest on various radio and TV stations, such as the 700 Club, TBN, Daystar and the Inspiration Channel.
IAM is a growing ministry that is making a significant impact in Iran. Dr. Shariat is a passionate leader who is committed to sharing the gospel with the people of Iran.
With a passion to live life on purpose, Lily Meschi serves in ministry for Iran Alive as the Director of Partners Relations. Through her own experiences as an Iranian woman, Lily offers profound insight into the current protests in Iran for women’s rights.
Lily was born and raised in a Muslim family in Tehran, Iran. At the age of 18, her family moved to the U.S. Through a chain of painful hardships relating to her rights as an Iranian woman, Lily came to discover Christianity. Through her freedom found in her new life in Jesus Christ she has developed a heart for Iranian women who, like herself, have undergone similar oppression, abuse and loneliness.
Lily often speaks on the corrupt practices of arranged marriages of young women to older men in the Middle East, amongst other norms in their societies. She is grateful and honored to be a part of Iran Alive Ministries, where she is able to speak about cultural dispositions, arranged marriages, and the strong grip of abusive male domination in the Iranian culture.
Lily first heard about Iran Alive Ministries from a satellite television program. Encouraged in hearing the Gospel from an Iranian woman in a way she could understand, her passion for Christianity grew so much so that she went on to pursue education in Bible college, learning more about the faith and history of Christianity.
Professionally, she’s operated in several Fortune 500 companies, boutique retail banking institutions and in wholesale investing in the financial industry. Today, she works full-time alongside Dr. Shariat for Iran Alive Ministries. She has recently been featured in the following media: Life Today, Charisma Magazine, The Stream, iHOPE Ministries podcast, Mission News Network, In Awe by Bruce, and Faith Radio.
In ministering to the very culture from which she came, her prayer for each of the women in Iran is that they will come to know Jesus as she has and that they might experience true freedom, joy, and life in abundance. She longs to share the hope she has found with others; likewise, these women have the potential to lead multitudes of freed women following in their wake, finding Jesus through their own testimonies.
Ava was born in Iran as a Muslim, and became a Christian 23 years ago. She is a member of the Executive Team at Iran Alive Ministries, having oversight of all ministries, including the “Network 7 satellite and media ministries and churches.
Ava ministered with Iran Alive for twenty years, having held responsibilities such as starting underground churches, supporting ministries in 12 major cities inside Iran, and overseeing the same in numerous villages and towns. She activated, led and discipled many of the upper layer leaders in the Discipleship Making Movement in Iran.
As a missionary from Iran to Afghanistan, Ava helped start underground churches using DMM, and helped in developing new leadership. She also taught discipleship courses and did leadership training in Dubai.
Currently, Ava serves as a member of the Executive Team directing all ministries and services of Iran Alive and Network 7 in Europe, the Middle East, and online.
Tina was born in Iran as a Muslim and became a Christian 20 years ago. She is a junior member of the Executive Team at Iran Alive Ministries, including the “Network 7 satellite and media ministries and churches.
Tina ministered with Iran Alive for eighteen years, having held responsibilities such as starting underground churches and supporting ministries in 11 major cities inside the country of Iran, implementing and executing the Discipleship Making Movement in Iran, and training DMM emerging leaders. In addition, Tina pastored and activated Christian believers through discipleship for church planting, church leadership, support ministries (such as personal freedom and healing), and led a prayer and intercession movement under the direction of Dr. Hormoz Shariat of Iran Alive Ministries.
Currently, she is assisting the Executive Team directing all ministries and services of Iran Alive and Network 7 in Europe, the Middle East and online.
Amin was born in Iran as a Muslim and came to faith in Christ 23 years ago. He is a member of the Executive Team at Iran Alive Ministries, having oversight of all ministries, including the “Network 7 satellite and media ministries and churches.
Amin ministered with Iran Alive for twenty years, having held responsibilities such as serving as Chief Financial Officer for all underground work inside Iran, starting underground churches and supporting ministries in 12 major cities inside Iran, and overseeing the same in numerous villages and towns. In addition, he activated, led and discipled many of the upper layer leaders in the Discipleship Making Movement in Iran.
As a missionary from Iran to Afghanistan, Amin helped start underground churches using DMM, and helped in developing new leadership. He also initiated the underground printing and distribution of the Holy Bible in Iran.
Currently, Amin is serving as a member of the Executive Team and directs all ministries and services of Iran Alive and Network 7 in Europe, the Middle East, and online. He is also responsible for financial operations in Europe and the Middle East. Amin continues to oversee Bible distribution.
