Cruizing along the highway, windows down, music up… August is the perfect month for a road trip!  Alright I admit, we might not be able to physically road trip through Iran, but we can certainly ‘pray through’ Iran.

While our team on the ground dedicates these next 10 days to proclamation, teaching, and intercession, let’s join them in a 10-day prayer road trip through Iran.  #livedeadiran

 3rd Stop – Ahvaz

Fast Facts

• Population: 1,112,021
• Religion:  predominantly Shia Muslim, with small Sunni Muslim, Jewish, Christian and Mandean minorities.
• Language:  The most widely spoken dialect in Khuzestan (Ahvaz’s region) is Bakhtiari. Except in Susangerd and Hoveizh, Bakhtiari is found everywhere. Many Khuzestanis are bilingual, speaking both Persian and one of the regional languages.
• Tourist Sites:  Most people go to Kianpars street at night and stroll among the shops. You could also visit the old, hectic bazaar area (Taleqani Street). The best places in Ahvaz are situated alongside the river. The river boulevard is a nice place to stroll and has many parks. Another nighttime attraction of Ahvaz are the oil well flares situated on the border of the city.
• Environment:  “Ahvaz has the world’s air pollution” (Wikipedia). The air quality in Ahwaz, Iran, in other words, is over five times as bad as the air the typical person breathes.

Prayer for Ahvaz

Khuzestan is the major oil-producing region of Iran, and as such, it is one of the wealthiest provinces in Iran.  The region is politically sensitive, due to its natural resources and also because of past foreign invasions, especially the 1980 Iraqi invasion.

Dear Jesus, Ahvaz sits in the middle of a region known for its oil production and subsequent wealth. Yet even the wealthy need a Savior… they need you, Jesus.  We pray that people living in Ahvaz would come to realize their need for you and begin to seek you.  Come to this city, Lord, and extend your salvation.  May your peace cover this region as people begin to turn to you.