Abbas was a devout Persian Muslim, living in Iran, when the unthinkable happened—Jesus Christ appeared to him. At the time, Abbas was dying of pancreatic cancer, his body failing and his hope dwindling. Yet, that encounter with Christ changed everything.
Before becoming a Christian, Abbas was a passionate adherent of Islam. Yet, deep within, a gnawing question tormented his soul: “I feel like I know Allah, but I have no evidence or assurance that he knows or cares for me.” He longed for a connection, a love that Islam’s rigid laws could not provide. Allah, despite having 99 names, did not bear the name Love.
A Unique Ministry
When Abbas met Christ, he realized he had encountered Someone who knew him personally and loved him unconditionally, even though he did not yet fully understand who Christ was. That realization ignited a flame in Abbas’s heart, and he made the bold decision to be baptized—a perilous act in Iran, where Muslims who convert to Christianity face severe persecution, even death.
Abbas knew the cost, yet he was willing to pay it. He was ready to lay down his life for the One who had sacrificed His life for him. After his baptism, Abbas resolved to dedicate his life to serving Jesus, proclaiming the Good News to as many people as possible.
His line of work presented a unique opportunity: Abbas installed satellite dishes in Tehran. Though satellite TV was officially banned, many Iranians used it as their lifeline to the outside world. Abbas devised a brilliant and daring plan—he pre-set the first three channels on every satellite dish he installed to broadcast Farsi-language Christian programs.
Through his ingenuity, countless Iranians encountered the Gospel for the first time, and many gave their lives to Christ. Abbas became a beacon of hope, carrying the light of Christ into the darkest corners of his homeland. His car became a mobile ministry, packed with Farsi Bibles and Gospel tracts. Over time, he distributed thousands of copies, planting seeds of faith wherever he went.
Facing Persecution
But such boldness did not go unnoticed. Persecution followed him like a shadow. His own family threatened to report him to the authorities, leaving Abbas no choice but to flee Iran with his family. They found refuge in the United States, escaping the grip of oppression but carrying the mission of Christ in their hearts.
Today, Abbas continues to serve the Lord faithfully. He is now a key supplier of Derek Prince's books to the Farsi-speaking churches of California. These churches, made up of Persian Christians who fled persecution, represent a vibrant and growing community with a deep hunger for spiritual discipleship. Through his ministry, Abbas is helping to make Derek Prince’s profound teachings accessible in Farsi, empowering this community to grow in their faith.
Abbas’s dedication is nothing short of inspiring. He reminds us of the extraordinary ways God can use one faithful life to impact countless others. His courage and perseverance are a blessing to our ministry, and he needs our prayers and encouragement as he continues to serve.
The Persian Christian community in California, shaped by trials and triumphs, is proof of God’s faithfulness to His people. And through devoted servants like Abbas, the rich spiritual legacy of Derek Prince is reaching hearts and changing lives in a language they can call their own.
Let us stand in prayer for Abbas and others like him who risk everything to carry the Gospel forward. They are living testimonies of the transformative power of Christ and a reminder of the incredible things God can do through those who surrender fully to Him.
