(ah-ZEYR-ees) – Nowruz is one of the most significant holidays for the Azeri people. This holiday is the celebration of the new year on the Persian calendar, which begins around March 20 and may continue for 7-10 days. In the weeks leading up to the holiday, many Azeris build a small fire in the evenings and take turns jumping over it. This comes from an ancient practice in which people believed that the fire would burn off the sins of the past year and enable them to start the new year without the weight of the sins of their past. During the holiday, many celebrate with family or even go abroad for a vacation. While traveling in other countries, the Azeris of Iran have more of an opportunity to hear the gospel than in their home country. Pray that they will hear the gospel message during the celebration of Nowruz and that they will understand and respond to the good news to receive true forgiveness for their sins.