Disrupted Bible Study

They were gathered to study the Bible. These young men, roughly ten in number, were new in their faith and sought the guidance of their pastor. When they gathered at his house on a Wednesday afternoon, they weren’t discussing political topics—they just wanted to study God’s Word.

Can you imagine being one of the young people at this Bible study, and suddenly having armed plain clothes security officers break the lock on the front door, assault your pastor, and taken him away? Then the officers make you fill out a form about how you became a Christian and who baptized you. You wonder, why do they need this information anyway? Their words to you are ominous—you have attended an illegal meeting and will be called in for questioning sometime soon. Meanwhile, your pastor and his Bibles and Christian books are whisked away. The security officers won’t say where they are taking him or what their charges against him are. When the pastor’s wife comes home, she thinks her house has been robbed. The other witnesses tell her what really happened and how her husband is gone. How would you be feeling right about now?

This arrest actually occurred at a Bible study in Iran. Pastor Bahnam was taken away by the Ministry of Information, and his whereabouts are still uncertain. His arrest, however, is unfortunately not an isolated occurrence. Earlier this year, Pastor Wilson, Pastor Vahik, and Pastor Hamid and his wife Reyhaneh were each arrested. What prayers would you ask for if you worshiped in their congregations?

So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12

Sources: Farsi Christian News Network and Assist News