About Exodus From Darkness

Exodus From Darkness (EFD) is a specialised ministry dedicated to apologetics and evangelism. Its mission is to equip individuals with reasoned defences of the Christian faith while actively sharing the message of the Gospel. EFD encourages people from all backgrounds to thoughtfully explore and examine the beliefs and values that shape their lives. The ministry emphasises the importance of seeking truth with sincerity and intellectual integrity.

At the heart of EFD’s message is the proclamation that true and lasting confidence—eternal confidence—can be found in a relationship with Jesus Christ alone. EFD asserts that through Christ, individuals not only find spiritual assurance and hope but also a solid foundation for moral and philosophical understanding. By combining thoughtful apologetics with compassionate evangelism, EFD aims to lead others toward faith in Jesus as the ultimate source of truth, purpose, and eternal life.

  • Dr. Daniel Shayesteh

    Dr. Daniel Shayesteh is the founder and President of Exodus From Darkness.

    Born in Northern Iran, he was once a devoted Muslim, a teacher of Islamic philosophy, and a key political leader during the Iranian Islamic Fundamentalist Revolution. After rising through the ranks of revolutionary leadership, ideological conflict and disillusionment led to his arrest and death sentence; a crisis that ultimately became the turning point in his journey to faith in Jesus Christ.

    Since his dramatic escape and conversion, Daniel has dedicated his life to sharing the gospel with Muslims and equipping Christians to understand and lovingly engage with people of other beliefs. Through Exodus From Darkness, founded in 2000, he ministers across Australia and internationally, encouraging churches to grow in boldness, clarity and compassion in proclaiming the truth of Jesus. His heart is to see individuals and societies transformed by the peace, hope and eternal confidence found only in Christ.

  • Peter Magee

    Peter Magee is the Vice President of Exodus From Darkness.

    Peter has been with the ministry since 2005, bringing decades of experience in cross-cultural evangelism and discipleship. Born again at a 1968 Billy Graham youth rally, Peter has ministered extensively across the Philippines, where his early work helped catalyze church planting movements and outreach to unreached people groups.

    He pioneered the first evangelistic radio program to the Maranao Muslim community and has worked with various churches and missions, including Youth With A Mission and the Christian and Missionary Alliance. With a heart for equipping national leaders, Peter continues to resource and support ministries reaching Muslims in Asia and Africa. He holds theological qualifications from Faith Bible College (NZ), Grace Bible College (TX), and other institutions, and previously served as a local pastor.

  • Janet Shay

    Janet Shay is the Operations Manager of Exodus From Darkness.

    Born in Iran and raised under an oppressive regime, Janet Shay experienced firsthand the realities of fear and persecution. Her journey to faith began with her family's dramatic escape to freedom and ultimately led to a life transformed by Jesus Christ. Today, she serves as the Operations Manager of Exodus From Darkness.

    Janet brings a unique voice shaped by her background in education, business and media. Passionate about the Great Commission, she encourages others to boldly live out their faith and reach the nations, wherever God has placed them. Her message is one of hope, purpose and the power of Christ to redeem and restore.