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In 2022, Pastor Joseph Shahbazian was sentenced to ten years' imprisonment for his Christian ministry work in Iran. After an appeal, he was released a year later. For unknown reasons, however, he was suddenly rearrested on February 6th of this year, and now reportedly faces numerous charges. For more details, see this report.
Since his rearrest, Iranian authorities have been questioning and threatening Pastor Joseph's friends. The harassment appears to be an effort to gather evidence against him. One friend was told by his interrogator, "If you don't help us, we'll have to resume our unfinished investigation against you."
On April 12th, governing officials also decided to arrest Pastor Joseph's wife Lida Alexani whom they've placed in solitary confinement. At last report, she was still being detained in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison. Regrettably, neither Joseph nor Lida received permission to attend the funeral that was held on April 14th for his mother who passed away five days prior to the service. The couple's arrests were particularly challenging before his mother's passing since Joseph was her primary caregiver. To learn more about the challenges facing Christians in Iran, visit our country profile.
- Please continue to remember Pastor Joseph in your prayers, along with his wife Lida, praying that God's comforting presence would be tangibly sensed during their imprisonment – especially as they grieve over the recent loss of his mother.
- Pray that both of these believers, along with the many others who are currently incarcerated in this Persian nation, will soon be released from prison and reunited with their concerned loved ones.
- In general, intercede for the overall populous of Iran, including the country's governing leaders, praying that each individual will receive a revelation of the Risen Christ's sacrificial love for them, respond to His gift of salvation, and experience His life-changing power.
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