From Muslim Revolutionary to Graduate Student
Born in 1955 in Tehran, Iran, Hormoz Shariat grew up in a Muslim family focused on education. Although he participated in the 1979 Iranian Revolution, secretly, he longed to study in America. This dream came true when he pursued graduate studies in electrical engineering at the University of Southern California. His quest for truth led him to compare the Quran and the Bible during his Ph.D. studies. It was in 1980 that he first heard the Gospel in a Los Angeles church and placed his faith in Jesus Christ.
When Tragedy Struck Home
Hormoz faced a severe crisis when his younger brother, Hamraz, was executed by the Iranian government. Overcome with grief and anger, he initially desired revenge. Yet, in the depths of his sorrow, God revealed a different path. Hormoz understood that those who took his brother's life were not the true enemies; they, too, were victims of evil. Inspired by Romans 12:19, he realized that vengeance belongs to God alone.
God Transforms Grief into Ministry
This divine insight fueled Hormoz to devote his life to sharing Jesus with Muslims, praying to bring one million to Christ. He began evangelizing in California, eventually planting a church in San Jose in 1987. This church became one of the largest in the United States for Muslim converts. In 2001, he founded Iran Alive Ministries, using satellite TV to broadcast Christian messages into Iran, reaching millions daily. Despite opposition from the Iranian government, Hormoz remains unwavering in his belief that Iran will be the first Islamic nation to embrace Christianity.
From Revolution to Evangelism
Hormoz's life exemplifies the transformative power of Jesus. From a young man chanting 'Death to America' in Tehran to being called the 'Billy Graham of Iran,' his journey showcases the profound impact of God's grace. Hormoz gives all glory to Jesus, who transformed his grief into a mission of love and evangelism.
