Iran
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.”
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.
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.”
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…”
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.”
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..”
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…”
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.”
Christians Threatened, Watched
A believer in IRAN who works with MBBs says he is regularly questioned by the police, and his phone is bugged. Another Christian leader says that police have warned him against speaking about Jesus. He says, “To know there are people praying for us in other parts of the world is so good, since often we feel alone and isolated.”
Christians Summoned to Prison
UPDATE: A Christian in IRAN who spent 105 days in prison is now seeking refugee status in another country. Meanwhile, the government has summoned him and four other believers (including a pastor and a pregnant woman) to prison to serve a one-year sentence.
Ask God to help these believers and their families to stand firm in the hardships and struggles they face. “Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial, for when he has stood the test he will receive the crown of life.”
Islam and Sex Slaves: 84,000 girls in Iran
"In 2002, a BBC journalist was deported for taking photographs of prostitutes. Officials told her: 'We are deporting you … because you have taken pictures of prostitutes. This is not a true reflection of life in our Islamic Republic. We don’t have prostitutes.' Yet, earlier the same year, officials of the Social Department of the Interior Ministry suggested legalizing prostitution as a way to manage it and control the spread of HIV.
Christian Websites Targeted
In IRAN government officials have been targeting and trying to bring down Farsi language Christian websites.
Pray that believers in Iran will have access to resources in their language. “For the Son of Man came to save the lost.”
Christian Arrested, Home Raided
On July 30, authorities in IRAN arrested a believer. They raided her home and confiscated Christian materials. Now she is in prison on charges of evangelism.
Ask God to sustain her during this time. “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…”
Pastor Released from Prison!
UPDATE: Praise God for the release of an IRANIAN pastor! Since last September he has been in prison, where he suffered from psychological torture, poor hygiene conditions, and ill health. He was released after his family and friends posted a bail of approximately $10,000.
Thank God for answering our prayers! “And the men marveled, saying, ‘What sort of man is this, that even winds and sea obey Him?’”
Pastor Released on Bail
UPDATE: An IRANIAN pastor was arrested in August on accusations of blasphemy. He was released 10 days later when a family member pledged property in payment of the $30,000 bail.
Pray for perseverance. “Take My yoke upon you, and learn from Me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Converts Arrested, Beaten
On July 24 IRANIAN security forces chased down two Christian converts. They were beaten, arrested, and denied medical treatment.
Pray for their release and recovery. “For the joy of the LORD is your strength.”
Professor Fired for Sharing Faith
A university professor in IRAN was recently fired for sharing his faith with students and staff.
Pray for provision and endurance. “Let Your ear be attentive and Your eyes open, to hear the prayer of Your servant that I now pray before You day and night…”
Iranian Pastor Sent Back to the Tribunal that Sentenced him to Death
A year ago, a pastor in Iran was sentenced to death for apostasy, or abandoning Islam. On Sunday, September 25, the tribunal that sentenced him to death is scheduled to begin reviewing his case again.
Pastor Still Facing Death Sentence
UPDATE: The supreme court of IRAN has returned a pastor’s case to the lower court that sentenced him to death. If that court decides that the pastor was a Muslim before he became a Christian and if he does not “repent,” then the death sentence for apostasy still stands. Also, his defense lawyer has been sentenced to nine years in jail.
Pray that the charges against both men will be dropped. “The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer.”
Three Christians Released on Bail
UPDATE: Three believers have been released on bail in IRAN. They were imprisoned earlier this year after a government raid on a house church. The final prisoner was released on July 9 after spending several months in solitary confinement and having an exorbitant bail payment made on his behalf. He is in poor health and is still awaiting trial.
Pray for health and courage. “Blessed be Your glorious name, which is exalted above all blessing and praise.”
Student Arrested for Evangelism
A Christian university student in IRAN was arrested June 30 on charges of evangelism.
Ask God to encourage him and his parents. Pray for his release. “O LORD God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps covenant and steadfast love with those who love Him and keep His commandments…”
Pastor Remains in Prison
UPDATE: An IRANIAN pastor arrested last September remains in prison. His wife was released from prison earlier this year.
Pray for his freedom. Ask God to encourage and strengthen him and his wife. “He restores my soul.”
