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Iran

• Historic Church Closed

  

  The Assyrian Christian community in the city of Tabriz were shocked to discover that the Presbyterian church was being forced to close. Intelligence agents stormed the 100-year-old national heritage site on May 9th. Locks were changed, the cross on the tower was torn down, and the church warden was ordered to leave.

• Cleric Warns Against Rapidly Growing Church

  

  Islamic cleric, Hujjat al-Islam Naser Rafiei, delivered a speech in Qom, warning against the spread of Christianity throughout the country. He specifically named house churches and evangelical networks as an attraction for Iranian youth.

• Ongoing Arrests of Christians

  

  Iranian Christians are requesting prayer for a series of recent arrests. Shortly before Christmas, five Iranian women were taken into custody, including 65-year-old Ruhsari Kamberi. Following her arrest, Ruhsari faced ten days of intensive interrogation. Authorities had also searched the senior woman's home, where they confiscated her phone, Bibles and Christian materials. After eventually being released on bail, Ruhsari was brought before the prosecutor in mid-January to answer charges of "acting against national security." During the court hearing, she was ordered to meet with an Islamic religious leader to be "instructed" and offered the opportunity to return to Islam.

• Christian Couple Arrested

  

  Amir Taleipour and his wife Mahnaz Harati were at their home in Mashhad with their seven-year-old daughter on December 6th when several intelligence agents entered. At last report, the couple were still being held in detention and not allowed to communicate with family members. They have also been denied legal assistance. In the meantime, their daughter is being cared for by extended family.

• Christian Refused Permission to Visit Dying Mother

  

  Ebrahim Firouzi has been imprisoned since 2013 on charges, including "actions against national security" (see this report). He is presently being held at the Rajai Shahr Prison, considered one of the harshest in the country.

  Ebrahim's mother has been suffering with cancer and appealed several times to the courts, asking that he be granted permission to visit her, since she was too sick to travel to the prison. Officials refused and, sadly, she passed away without seeing him. The funeral was held on December 4th and Ebrahim was unable to get permission in time to attend the service.

• Recent Sentencing Includes Pastor's Son

  

  Ramiel Bet Tamraz was arrested along with four converts from Islam when security officials raided a picnic that took place northeast of Tehran on August 26th, 2016. Although the five Christians were interrogated and eventually released, Ramiel and his friend were charged with "acting against national security." Both were released on bail in October 2016.

• Christian Convert Arrested in Iran

  
  Photo: Mohabat News

  On October 19th, a member of the Payam-e Aramesh (meaning "Message of Peace") house church in Dezful was arrested and transferred to another city known as Ahwaz. Shortly before arresting Abdol-Ali Pourmand (also referred to as Elyas), security authorities raided his home while he was away working on his farm. During Abdol's absence, officials searched the house thoroughly and confiscated a few Bibles and Christian CDs.

• The Voice of the Martyrs Canada - Iran

  

  Gilbert was 17 years old when his father was fatally stabbed 26 times with a knife for his faith and ministry in Iran. Yet God transformed the tragedy into a profound testimony when Gilbert was willing to forgive the persecutors. Gilbert wrote this song and dedicated it to the very ones who caused him to mourn. Today, he shares the Gospel with the same nation that took his father away from him and, as a result, thousands of Iranians have come to know our Lord Jesus and experience God`s forgiveness of their sins.

• Imprisoned Iranian Believer Returned to Prison

  In last week's edition of the prayer alert, we requested prayer for Behnam Irani, an imprisoned Iranian believer who had been beaten and taken to an undisclosed location. Pastor Behnam has since been returned to Ghezal Hesar Prison. While we are certainly thankful that his loved ones now know his present whereabouts and condition, we urge you to continue praying for Behnam's health, safety and final release from confinement.

• Pastor Irani In Need of Proper Medical Treatment

  Behnam Irani

  Please continue to pray for Pastor Behnam Irani, who is presently in Iran's Ghezal Hesar prison. Despite his deteriorating health and ongoing weight loss, proper medical assistance is being withheld. During his imprisonment, Pastor Behnam has suffered from acute back pain (now unable to walk), vision difficulties and internal bleeding, among other health concerns. CSW reports, "He has been subjected to physical and psychological pressure, and has sustained regular beatings from his cell mates and prison authorities, as well as death threats." For more about his situation, click here.