Believer Imprisoned after Baptism

A Muslim background believer in IRAN was sentenced to six years in prison for being baptized while he was in Turkey.

Ask God to sustain this believer. “The LORD is my strength and my shield; in Him my heart trusts, and I am helped.”

LEARN MORE: In Prison for Baptism

Alireza Seyedin (alternatively spelled Seyedian) was reportedly sentenced to six years in prison in Iran for “propaganda against the regime and acting against national security.” Another news source has confirmed this report. It all started because the Christian was baptized while he was in Turkey.

The reasoning behind his conviction is bizarre. The judges saw the baptism’s location (Turkey) as being against the regime for two reasons: 1) they thought it implied that there were not enough people to perform the baptism in Iran and 2) they thought it implied that there was a lack of freedom in Iran. (Which is ironic, since the judgment itself reflects a lack of religious freedom.) The judges also ruled that the Christian had threatened national security by posting videos of the baptism online and holding interviews about it.

Baptism is a serious step for converts in Islamic regions. Persecution often follows. Please pray for Alireza.

“We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, in order that, just as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life.” – Romans 6:4