IRAN: Christians Refuse to Deny Their Faith

Iranian Christians Maryam Rostampour and Marzieh Amirizadeh Esmaeilabad, have now been in prison in Tehran for over six months because of their faith in Jesus and their health is deteriorating. This is the most urgent matter for prayer - that the Lord heals them directly and miraculously for the glory of His name and their encouragement. Due to overcrowding in the prison and the limited facilities, they have not received adequate treatment.

Both women were summoned before the court again last month and called upon to recant their Christian faith both verbally and in writing. Both declared they would not deny their faith.

Meanwhile, amid a violent crackdown on protestors and a purge of opponents within the Iranian government, more than 30 Christians were arrested in July and August near Tehran and in the northern city of Rasht.

Two waves of arrests near Tehran happened within days of each other. Although most of those detained - all converts from Islam - were held just a day for questioning, eight Christians were imprisoned. Seven were later released on bail.
Source: Compass Direct/Middle East Concern

Please pray:

• Pray that the judge in the case of Maryam and Marzieh be removed from the case or make a decision to release them!
• Pray for Maryam and Marzieh that they may persevere with courage.
• Pray for them to receive adequate treatment and be protected from further illness.
• For faithfulness and endurance for Iranian Christians who are in prison and for their swift release.
• That those who remain under surveillance would have courage to continue to be good witnesses for Jesus.