Iran

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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.”

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

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.”

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!”

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.”

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.”