Iran

Commit to Intercede

March 31, 2013

Today we celebrate the triumph of good over evil, of Life over death, of God's love over Satan's self-centered hate - we celebrate the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. He conquered where we could not. He chose righteousness when we would not. And He rescued us when we were unable to cry out, dead in our sins and sliding into decay. God's power in Christ has given us new birth into a LIVING HOPE (1 Peter 1:3-5) and it is the reality of that hope that we rejoice in today.

Pray for Iranian Pastor Avanessian

March 21, 2013

Vruir Avanessian was arrested for celebrating Christmas with a group of believers in Tehran, IRAN. The 60-yr-old pastor, who suffers from kidney failure, was temporarily released on bail on Jan. 10. Pray for him to trust God as he waits for the court to decide the date of his next trial.

Be strengthened with all power according to His glorious might. - Colossians 1:11

Intercede for Saeed Abedini

March 1, 2013

Saeed Abedini, husband and father of two young children, was born in Iran. Thirteen years ago, Saeed converted from Islam to Christianity. In 2010, having already moved to America, Saeed was granted U.S. citizenship. In 2012, Saeed traveled back to Iran to help establish an orphanage. On September 26th, he was thrown into prison for “threatening the national security of Iran through his leadership in Christian house churches.”

Iran monitors pastor's movements

February 23, 2013

Authorities in IRAN sent a clear message of hostility to Christian leaders in the Islamic Republic when they re-arrested Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani on Christmas Day, alleging that he needed to “finish” his three year sentence. After international pressure (and prayer) he was released on January 7.

House Churches in Iran

February 20, 2013

Our partner asks for prayer for several new house churches in IRAN. “Extended family tensions and personality conflicts can sap the new fellowship of spiritual vibrancy. Wise, mature leadership and counsel is needed to help bring resolution and peace.”

Arrests in Iran

February 11, 2013

Behzad and Mohammed-Reza, two believers in IRAN, were arrested in raids on their homes on December 31. Both face charges of action against national security, and Behzad is also charged with insulting Islamic sanctities, but no trial date has been set. Mohammad-Reza has a wife and two daughters. Pray that all charges will be dropped and both men will be released.

“You heard my voice when I cried for mercy.”

Compassion from Prison

February 8, 2013

IRAN: Upon hearing news of the Connecticut school shooting, Pastor Farshid Fathi (imprisoned in Tehran’s notorious Evin prison) sent a letter to the Sandy Hook parents. He wrote, “I am sure these high walls cannot stop my prayers for you. Before this tragedy happened, I was thinking about my suffering that I'm going through because of my Lord Jesus Christ, especially being far from my lovely kids. But when I imagine how hard your pain is I forget my sufferings.”

A Nightmare Returns

December 28, 2012

Four Christians were arrested during a church raid last December in IRAN. By mid-March, all four were released on bail. On Oct. 15 they were again tried and convicted of Christian activity. Pray for Naser, Davoud, Pastor Farhad, and his wife Shahnaz; ask God to use them mightily even in prison.

“You have always been my helper.”  

Still Desperately Needs Prayer

December 21, 2012

UPDATE: Christians in IRAN have requested renewed prayers for Pastor Farshid Fathi. In 2010, Farshid was sentenced to six years in prison for “acting against national security through membership in a Christian organization.” He has faced intense interrogation and been denied communication with his wife and two young daughters. Ask God to give Farshid and his family overwhelming comfort, perseverance, and safety. 

“Do not turn Your back on me.”

Prisoner Released!

December 16, 2012

On Oct. 18,  a middle-aged woman named Afsar was arrested in IRAN for involvement in church activity. Praise God, Afsar was released a day later!

“The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

Officers Stationed at Churches

December 14, 2012

State security officers have been stationed in front of two churches in IRAN. The officers interfere with the church services, frighten away visitors, and often forbid children from attendance. Ask God to enable these church members to do good to those who hate them.

“My heart will not be afraid.”

Tortured for Christ

December 7, 2012

Christians detained in IRAN are often tortured into confessing crimes against the government. Nearly 400 Iranian Christians were arrested in October alone. Pray fervently for these brothers and sisters: Ask God to pour out on them grace, courage, and protection.

“Hear me as I pray, O Lord.”

Father Temporarily Released

December 2, 2012

On Oct. 9, Vahid Zarday, a believer from IRAN, was temporarily released from prison. Zarday, his wife, and several other Christians were arrested in May during a house church service. Zarday remained in prison for 136 days, an experience he described as “hell on earth.” Pray for Zarday’s charges to be dropped permanently and for God to comfort this young family.

“The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger.”

Imprisoned Pastor Experiences Health Issues

November 26, 2012

Update: Pastor Behnam Irani remains in prison in Iran and has been denied adequate medical care. Among other things, he suffers from internal bleeding. Ask God to heal his body and bring about his release. Pray for courage for him and his family.

Threats Against Christians

November 21, 2012

Government agents in IRAN have recently threatened church elders not to speak with Muslims and have threatened others not to attend church.

Pastor Released from Prison

November 2, 2012

Update: Praise God that Pastor Yousef (Youcef) Nadarkhani has been released from prison in IRAN! He had been previously sentenced to death for apostasy (leaving Islam). Recently this conviction was overturned and he was instead sentenced to three years in prison for evangelizing Muslims. Due both to the time he has already served and to a bail payment, he was recently released. Ask God to continue to protect him and his family.  

Season of Harvest

October 28, 2012

Despite the on-going crackdown on Christians in IRAN, our partners report this is a season of harvest. Between 250- 300 people gathered to hear the Gospel in one city! Praise God for the power of His Word and ask that those who hear the Gospel will be saved.

“You have put gladness in my heart, more than when their grain and new wine abound.”

Bibles for Sale in Iran

October 24, 2012

Although it is a crime to own a Bible in IRAN, recent reports indicate that Bibles are being sold by street vendors and old book stores. Praise God that His Word is not chained and ask Him to protect those who purchase these Bibles.

“O Lord, our Lord, how majestic is Your name in all the earth!”

Praise from Iran

October 10, 2012

Praise the Lord for seventy-three women in IRAN who attended a conference organized by our ministry partners. The women were totally absorbed by the Bible teaching! Please pray for the conference leaders as they follow-up!

“Many are saying, ‘Who will show us any good?’ Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O Lord!”

Imprisoned pastor to appear in court

September 8, 2012

Imprisoned in IRAN for almost three years, Pastor Youcef is scheduled to appear in court today. Pray that the Iranian regime will relent and release him and drop the previous death sentence for apostasy.

“It is the Sovereign Lord who helps me. Who is he that will condemn me?”

 

UPDATE from christiantoday.com:  

Creative Evangelism

September 1, 2012

At the recent Olympic games, London-based Iranian evangelists shared the Gospel with hundreds of visitors from IRAN, providing them with Bibles and copies of the Jesus Film in Persian. Pray for converted hearts and for new believers who return home to spread the Gospel .

"The Sovereign Lord has given me an instructed tongue, to know the word that sustains the weary.”

Consequences in Iran

August 30, 2012

UPDATE: After Islamic authorities demanded names and identification numbers of members of a church in IRAN, some who complied have faced persecution. One church member was fired from his job, and a university student was prohibited from taking a final exam. Pray for courage for the congregation.

“But we Your people, the sheep of Your pasture, will give thanks to You forever.”

Two Christians Released on Bail

August 21, 2012

Update: On June 10, two MBBs in IRAN were temporarily released on bail totaling about $650,000. They were frequently interrogated and spent time in solitary confinement. Praise God for their release, and pray that it will be permanent. “Save Your servant, who trusts in You—You are my God.”

Christian Released from Prison

August 18, 2012

UPDATE: A Christian who was twice imprisoned in IRAN—serving about a total of a year in prison—was released on June 10. Praise God for his freedom! “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.”

Government oversight of Iranian Church

August 7, 2012

The government of IRAN recently tasked the intelligence branch of the Revolutionary Guard with "overseeing" activities of official churches in Iran. The Revolutionary Guard normally handles threats to national security and is more aggressive than the agencies previously given oversight of the church. Ask God to give congregations in Iran boldness and protection.

“How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!”

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