As their country celebrates the Iranian New Year, Iranian Christians have requested our continued prayers for those affected by the recent wave of arrests of Christians in Iran, and for longer-term detainees.
They rejoice that some have been released on bail. These include Davoud (arrested in Ahvaz on 23rd December and released on 8th March) and Sharifeh, Masoud and Nima (arrested in Shiraz on 8th February and released on 14th March). In addition, they give thanks that Giti, a 78-year old detained in Isfahan for three days in February, this week received back all of the property confiscated when she was arrested. This included her passport, pension book, computer, mobile phone and Bibles and other religious materials.
However, at least 27 believers are understood to remain detained across Iran, because of their Christian faith or activities.
Following a series of raids in February and early March, five believers remain detained in Shiraz, three in Kermanshah and at least seven in Isfahan. Among those detained for more than a year are Yousef (arrested in October 2009), Noorallah and Farshid (both arrested in December 2010). Several who have been released on bail await court hearings. Alireza, a believer released on bail in 2010 but convicted in November 2011 of 'actions against national security,' was re-arrested on 14th March while attempting to flee from Iran.
Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:
a. Each of those detained for their faith will know the presence and peace of Jesus
b. Those detained will be released soon and restored to their families
c. Others facing court hearings will be acquitted, or the charges against them dropped, and that bail payments will be returned
d. Believers across Iran will know the Lord's wisdom and protection in meeting together, and will be enabled to live without fear
e. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.
Open sources used: FCNN, Mohabat News, Present Truth Ministries
Information supplied by Middle East Concern
They rejoice that some have been released on bail. These include Davoud (arrested in Ahvaz on 23rd December and released on 8th March) and Sharifeh, Masoud and Nima (arrested in Shiraz on 8th February and released on 14th March). In addition, they give thanks that Giti, a 78-year old detained in Isfahan for three days in February, this week received back all of the property confiscated when she was arrested. This included her passport, pension book, computer, mobile phone and Bibles and other religious materials.
However, at least 27 believers are understood to remain detained across Iran, because of their Christian faith or activities.
Following a series of raids in February and early March, five believers remain detained in Shiraz, three in Kermanshah and at least seven in Isfahan. Among those detained for more than a year are Yousef (arrested in October 2009), Noorallah and Farshid (both arrested in December 2010). Several who have been released on bail await court hearings. Alireza, a believer released on bail in 2010 but convicted in November 2011 of 'actions against national security,' was re-arrested on 14th March while attempting to flee from Iran.
Christians supporting these believers request our prayers that:
a. Each of those detained for their faith will know the presence and peace of Jesus
b. Those detained will be released soon and restored to their families
c. Others facing court hearings will be acquitted, or the charges against them dropped, and that bail payments will be returned
d. Believers across Iran will know the Lord's wisdom and protection in meeting together, and will be enabled to live without fear
e. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.
Open sources used: FCNN, Mohabat News, Present Truth Ministries
Information supplied by Middle East Concern
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