Iran Alive Ministries Reveals New Name Change to Access More People from Around the Globe

Sunnyvale, CA, September 17, 2009 --(PR.com)-- International Antioch Ministries (IAM) announced today that it has changed its organizational name to Iran Alive Ministries.

Iran Alive Ministries (formerly International Antioch Ministries) was founded in 2000 by Dr. Hormoz Shariat to specifically bring the gospel message to Muslims inside and outside of Iran. This ministry has since grown to touch the lives of those who are seeking truth through satellite TV shows, leadership development, discipleship, online courses, internet chat, call centers, church planting and other outreach ministries.

Iran is a closed country that does not offer religious freedom to its people. Iran is officially known as the Islamic Republic of Iran, formerly Persia, and is in the 10/40 Window, an area of the world that contains the largest population of non-Christians. Iran's population experienced incredible growth in the later half of the 20th century, and is currently home to over 72 million people. More than two thirds of the population is under the age of 30, one quarter being under the age of 15. Iran is populated with 98% Muslims.

"There is a growing hunger inside the closed country of Iran to hear the message of hope. God has given us the mission 
to partner together to transform the lives of Muslims around the world", said Dr. Hormoz Shariat, founder and president. "
Today through our prime time satellite TV programs for adults, youth and children, we are reaching over 50 million people in Iran who have access to Satellite TV in the security of their own homes as well as reaching into the Middle East, North Africa, Central Asia and Europe."

"Our call centers have seen an incredible amount of growth in the last year where callers and internet visitors can immediately engage in live conversations with trained counselors – who themselves have converted from a Muslim background to Christianity. They understand exactly what kind of questions viewers are struggling with on a daily basis. Some viewers even share their testimonials and questions live on our satellite TV programs. Many are too scared to venture outside their homes with their new Christian faith because the government officials might be watching them. Viewers secretly watch TV broadcasts and communicate with Iran Alive Ministries in secure, undisclosed locations – usually from their homes or internet cafes. It is very dangerous for people to risk their lives and contact our call centers but despite the cost of persecution, over five thousand people a month accept that cost and risk contacting us."

"Our new name provides us with a great opportunity to rebrand the organization with a name that brings new life to a new generation of Iranians. Our new logo identifies with the Persian culture and expresses ‘life’ in itself. The new brand rollout 
is scheduled over the next two months. An important aspect of our rebranding project gives the ability to expand our ministry into new areas of the internet and social media sector in order to connect with ever growing Iranian younger generation. 
In the 10/40 window it is vital for us to connect with 20-30 year old Muslims in Iran and around the globe." said Dr. Shariat

Iran Alive Ministries is a registered 501(3) c and is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California

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