How Christ Transformed a Former Iranian Revolution Leader

The incredible story of an Iranian Revolution leader that came to Christ.

How Christ Transformed a Former Iranian Revolution Leader With Dr. Shayesteh

In this episode of The Missions Show, Alex and Scott sit down with Dr. Daniel Shayesteh. Dr. Shayesteh shares his powerful journey from a radical Muslim involved in the Iranian Revolution to a follower of Christ. Raised in a devout Islamic context that viewed Christianity as corrupt, he rose to prominence as a religious figure and political activist under Ayatollah Khomeini. But after witnessing deception and oppression, he became disillusioned, was imprisoned, and narrowly escaped execution before fleeing Iran.

In Turkey, Shayesteh’s academic studies and unexpected encounters with Christians began to reshape his worldview. Drawn initially by practical needs, he encountered the love, freedom, and relational nature of God in Christianity, ultimately leading to his conversion. His story highlights the transforming power of the gospel and challenges believers to engage Muslims with truth and compassion. Dr. Daniel Shayesteh leads the ministry Exodus From Darkness.

Key Topics:

  • Background in Islam and role in the Iranian Revolution
  • Disillusionment with Khomeini’s regime
  • Escape from Iran and life in Turkey
  • Comparative study of religions
  • Encounters with Christians and conversion
  • Missions implications for reaching Muslims

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Alex Kocman & Scott Dunford

Alex Kocman is the Director of Communications and Engagement for ABWE. He serves as general editor for Message Magazine and co-hosts The Missions Show. After earning his M.A. in Communication and B.S. in Biblical Studies, he served as an online apologetics instructor with Liberty University and a youth pastor in Pennsylvania, where he now resides with his wife and five children. Read his blog or follow him on X.

Scott Dunford is the pastor of Western Hills Church in San Mateo, Calif. Previously, Scott served as Vice President of Mobilization and Communications for ABWE and as a missionary in East Asia. Scott graduated from Northland International University (B.A. in Pastoral Studies), earned his M.A. in biblical studies from Central Baptist Theological Seminary, his M.B.A. from Cornerstone University, and is currently enrolled in Midwestern Baptist Theological Seminary’s D.Min. program with an emphasis on missions.