After building a firm foundation, ministry founders pass leadership to daughter to carry legacy and cast vision for mission’s future

PRESS RELEASE

GLENDALE, CA., January 6, 2025 — Amid heightened hostility, repression and instability inside Iran, Transform Iran is proud to announce that Lana Silk, the organization’s current U.S. CEO, will officially assume the role of President and CEO across global operations, marking the first primary leadership transition in the ministry’s 35-year history. The formal handover will take place January 17, commemorated at a special event in Holland.

“I’m truly honored to step into this role—and so eager for what lies ahead in God’s greater plan for a changing Iran,” shared Lana Silk, daughter of Founders Lazarus and Maggie Yeghnazar. “By God’s hand, I feel equipped for this next chapter and deeply grateful to carry on my parents’ legacy.”

“’By the grace God has given me, I laid a foundation as a wise builder, and someone else is building on it,’” shared Lazarus Yeghnazar in a New Year’s letter to supporters, quoting 1 Corinthians 3:10. “As we look ahead to 2026, we are excited to see a new generation build on the foundations we have laid.”

Lana Silk, born in Iran on what is known as ‘Black Friday,’ a historic shift marking the Islamic Revolution, represents a new wave of Iranian Christian leadership—those born after the revolution, shaped by its consequences and determined to help forge a different future, a generation rising up now to lead in ministry, to envision a free Iran and to advance the underground church in persecuted Middle Eastern nations.

“Everyone born the day I was born and after me are post-revolution children of Iran,” shared Silk. “That entire generation is now old enough, educated enough and influential enough to begin undoing the mistakes of the past and build something new.”

Under the new leadership structure:

“I have watched Lana closely over the last few years as I have seen her grow into her role as USA CEO and gain the respect of our global team,” shared Maggie Yeghnazar. “There is no doubt in my mind that the timing is now.”

As one of the only women in the world leading a major Iran-focused Christian ministry, Silk’s appointment also signals a meaningful step forward, especially as key protesters in Iran, still fighting for freedom in 2026, are women themselves.

Redefining Legacy: Divine Growth from a Firm Foundation

After 70 years of ministry-in-the-making following Founder Lazarus Yeghnazar’s salvation decision, this transition represents not only a milestone in Transform Iran’s story, but a defining moment in the evolving landscape of Iranian Christian leadership. Yeghnazar and his wife Maggie, widely regarded as visionaries who have shaped the ministry’s impact across the Middle East and beyond, emphasized that this transition is not a retirement, but a crucial step in ministry, allowing them to pass on the legacy and deepen their core callings.

“Maggie and I are not finished running this race,” continued Yeghnazar. “Lana’s appointment is a strategic aspect of the same drive. This allows Transform Iran to step into more of what God has for us as a ministry, as well as for myself and Maggie, to be able to focus on the tasks the Lord has specifically given us for the season ahead, knowing the wider team is in good hands.”

A recurring theme throughout the transition is legacy—not as something held tightly, but as something intentionally passed on.

So often, people hold onto power and influence … my parents have shown me a different example,” continued Silk. “Their leadership has never been about their status. They think decades ahead and ask: ‘What is best for the organization? How do we give the next generation the chance to build and grow?’

A legacy that serves as a model for ministries everywhere, Transform Iran is prepared for ongoing and renewed growth in evangelism, discipleship, digital media, AI platform integration, church planting, theological education, first-ever Bible translations and humanitarian outreach across Iran, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Armenia, Georgia and beyond.

“We look forward with prophetic foresight to a historic opportunity to truly transform a ravaged, burnt and brutalized country into a flourishing garden,” concluded Yeghnazar, also sharing Isaiah 43:19. “‘I am about to do something new,’ says the Lord. ‘Do you not see it?’”

Iran will open, and by God’s grace, we will be ready.

Holland Event Details

The exclusive Holland event will take place January 17, including a special ceremony to officially commemorate the leadership handover, special reflections, brief presentations and a traditional Iranian meal.

For more information about the ministry, visit: https://transformiran.com/.  Members of the media may request interviews with Lana Silk, as well as photos and post-event materials from victoria@alarryross.com.

ABOUT TRANSFORM IRAN:

For more than 30 years, Transform Iran has served on the front lines of the Iranian Diaspora, sharing the love of Christ, training leaders and providing aid to the persecuted. Transform Iran has a unique position in the Middle East, striving to meet the spiritual and emotional needs of many Iranians. Transform Iran also provides humanitarian relief, including emergency food and shelter, medical care and legal help for asylum, among other forms of practical aid to Iranians who have been forced to leave their country. For more information, visit transformiran.com.