Iran
Following the Shiite Islamic revolution in 1979, Iran became a theocratic police state with no regard for human rights. In the decade of the 1990s, a number of top evangelical leaders were martyred in an effort to end their calls for the rights of Christians to be protected, and to stop the growth of the Christian church.
This last year, persecution of Christian leaders has again dramatically increased. Police raids on Christian worship services are common. Pastors are arrested and tortured, and Bibles and other Christian materials are confiscated. Two Christian women were imprisoned for 6 months in the notorious Evin Prison, and just recently released. They were offered freedom earlier if only they would renounce their faith, but each time they refused.
Pastors are forbidden to preach in the official state language, witnessing is banned, and known Christians are subject to constant surveillance. Believers are marginalized in employment, education, and property ownership. Still, the Iranian church is growing. Young Iranians have seen the emptiness of Islam and are searching for the truth. The violent repression of protests over accusations of fraud following the 2009 election has further disillusioned many young Muslims. Converts from Islam face prison sentences, fines, the loss of jobs, alienation from their families, and sometimes death threats.
Prayers for persecuted Christians in Iran
What Makes Iran Scared?
What is the government of Iran afraid of?
A senior general of the Islamic police said, “We must be on guard to find out the reasons behind this massive and country-wide distribution of the Bible.” He called the distribution “illegal” and accused Christian businessmen of being involved.
In seven Iranian cities, Christians were summoned by the state security, interrogated, and threatened that they would be called back again.
Christians Summoned, Threatened
Christians in seven cities in IRAN were ordered to report to security centers where they were interrogated and warned that they will be called in again. Authorities have also been collecting information on Christian-owned businesses in an effort to find those responsible for distributing the Bible.
Pray that Iranian believers will stand strong in the Lord. “The LORD is the strength of His people.”
Couple Attacked, Driven from Country
UPDATE: A Christian couple released from prison in IRAN last year was attacked, denied employment, put under surveillance, and forced to leave the country.
Pray that God will use them and bless them in the country where they are refugees. “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works.”
Continued Arrests Expected in Iran
In IRAN this winter believers are expecting another wave of imprisonments. Last year over 120 Christians were arrested.
Ask God to protect believers and give them strength in Him. “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful.”
Church Leader Faithful in Prison
A house church leader in IRAN has been in prison since Christmas Eve 2010. He has withstood authorities’ pressure to make him abandon his faith and evangelism efforts. After sharing the gospel with fellow prisoners, he was transferred to another prison and threatened with the death penalty.
Pray for courage and for his release. “Remember those who are in prison, as though in prison with them, and those who are mistreated, since you also are in the body.”
Pastor Transferred to Harsh Prison
A Christian prisoner in IRAN has been transferred to an underground cell in a prison where torture is routine. He was presented with Islamic books, possibly in an attempt to convert him.
Ask God to sustain him during this time. “Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, He Himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death He might destroy the one who has the power of death…”
Pastor Still Awaiting Death Sentence
UPDATE: The case of a pastor sentenced to death for apostasy in IRAN has been referred to Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Khamenei. The pastor has been told to read and give his opinion on a book against Christianity.
Ask God to give him wisdom and courage. Pray for his release. “And we desire each one of you to show the same earnestness to have the full assurance of hope until the end,…imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.”
Prison Sentence Extended
UPDATE: A pastor in prison in IRAN serving a one year sentence was told in October that he must serve an additional five years.
Ask God to give him and his family strength. “...you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him..”
Believers Released on Bail
UPDATE: Two imprisoned believers in IRAN have been temporarily freed on $20,000 bail each.
Thank God for their release! Pray that the charges against them will be dropped. “Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy…”
Pastor’s Death Sentence Remains
UPDATE: A pastor in IRAN is still under a death sentence for apostasy. Although he was never a practicing Muslim, a court determined that his Muslim ancestry still condemned him. He has stood firm under repeated demands that he renounce his faith.
Ask God to fill him with courage and peace. “For to this you have been called, because Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.”