the Middle East
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.”
Imprisoned Believers Released
UPDATE: Believers falsely held in prison in EGYPT were finally released, most pending further investigations. They were arrested after the Egyptian military fired on Christians and ran over them with armored vehicles during the protest of a church demolition. Believers are thankful for the release of the innocent, but disappointed at the lack of justice for the Christians’ deaths, which are being treated as accidents caused by “neglect.”
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.”
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.
Arrested for the Name of Christ
Mina Talaat did not attend the protest in Maspero, Egypt, but he was arrested anyway because of his faith. His mother says, "Mina was stopped by a soldier, who called a group of 20 people to come quickly, as he had found a Christian. The group beat Mina with short leather batons until his jaw was broken and he had to hold it back with his hand. He also had wounds in the head requiring 12 stitches."
Why was this man arrested and beaten for his faith?
Islamists Rising to Power in Egypt
As Islamist groups rise to power in EGYPT, Christians are concerned about increasing persecution.
Ask God to give them wisdom and courage in knowing how the church should respond to mounting pressure. “He considered the reproach of Christ greater wealth than the treasures of Egypt, for he was looking to the reward.”
Christian-Owned Businesses Attacked
This December in the Kurdistan region of IRAQ, an imam’s Friday sermon reportedly inspired Muslims to attack local businesses, many of which were owned by Christians. Muslims chanted jihad and anti-Christian slogans during the attacks. Some area residents retaliated. Hundreds of Christian families are now afraid because of the volatile situation.
Ask God to encourage the believers and give them wisdom in how to respond. “Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.”
Hundreds Come to Christ in Egypt
Our ministry partner in EGYPT reports that over 400 people accepted Christ in the outreach event where they were recently working.
Praise God for His salvation! “Consider Him who endured from sinners such hostility against Himself, so that you may not grow weary or fainthearted.”
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.”
34 Believers Arrested
UPDATE: Following military and Islamic violence against Christian protestors in EGYPT, 34 believers were arrested and continue to be detained. Some of them were not even present at the protest, but were rounded up simply for being Christians.
Ask God to sustain them. “But when Christ appeared...He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of goats and calves but by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.”
Christians Pulled from Homes, Beaten
Our ministry partner in EGYPT reports that in October some Christians were pulled out of their homes and beaten by Muslims.
Pray that these believers will hold fast to the gospel. “We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain…”
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…”
Evangelist Perseveres
Our ministry partner in the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES is now in a town with 5 new believers from a Muslim background. He is still suffering from loneliness because his Muslim wife divorced him after his baptism.
Pray that God will encourage him and use him greatly in the lives of these new believers. “After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
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.”
Family Threatened
An Iranian believer from a Muslim background living in IRAQ says that he and his wife receive numerous death threats. His son was beaten and called an “infidel” by a teacher. Last year his daughter was so frightened by a teacher that she stopped attending for the rest of the year. The siblings are beaten, scorned, and robbed by other children.
Ask God to give the family courage and wisdom. “For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith.”
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..”
Convert Threatened by Landlord
A Muslim background believer in IRAQ has been threatened with increased rent and eviction by his Muslim landlord, who discovered his faith. The believer has also had to pull his daughter out of a Christian school because her government ID labels her as “Muslim.”
Ask God to encourage the family and provide a home. “And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me.”
Mob & Army Attacks Christians
UPDATE: Christians protesting the destruction of a church were attacked on October 9 in EGYPT. Over two dozen people were killed and around 200 injured. The believers were assaulted by a mob, fired upon by the Egyptian military, and run over with armored vehicles.
Pray that the churches of Egypt will remain bold in their faith. “The Lord Jesus Christ...gave Himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age.”
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…”
Children Come to Christ
In the PALESTINIAN TERRITORIES, a Christian VBS program faced opposition from neighbors and local authorities. The youth center was vandalized and the leaders’ car tires were slashed. Nevertheless, many children attended, and over two dozen accepted Christ.
Praise God for His salvation! “But if when you do good and suffer for it you endure, this is a gracious thing in the sight of God.”
Girl Ridiculed, Excluded from School
A 14-year-old Christian in EGYPT was ridiculed and prevented from entering her school for eight days because she refused to wear an Islamic veil.
Ask God to encourage her. Pray that she will be a loving and steadfast witness for Christ. “For Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God.”
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.”
Pastor in Exile
UPDATE: A pastor in IRAN who was imprisoned for almost a year and released on bail has been forced into exile with his wife. Pray for strength and guidance as they settle into their new home. “Though you do not now see Him, you believe in Him and rejoice with joy that is inexpressible and filled with glory.”
Volatile Situation in Egypt
In EGYPT, the number of people who favor the Muslim Brotherhood’s leadership has more than quadrupled since January, according to a recent poll. Islamist threats and intimidation have driven nearly 100,000 Christians to emigrate since March.
Ask God to give believers courage and perseverance. “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.”
