In December we requested prayers following a raid on an officially recognized church in Ahvaz during a service on 23rd December. Three remain detained, namely the church's pastor, Farhad, and two other church members, Davoud and Naser. Farhad's wife, Shahnaz, was detained but released on 1st January.
There is mounting concern for Farhad's health. He had been receiving medical treatment shortly before being detained. In jail, he has been denied access to a doctor and has been unable to continue his medication.
Shahnaz was released when a property title deed was deposited as bail. However, there are no known charges against her, nor against Farhad, Davoud and Naser.
Recall that many attendees of the service were detained briefly. Mobile phones were confiscated, as was the church's audio-visual equipment and Christian literature.
At least ten others remain detained in Iran because of their Christian faith. These include Noorallah (arrested in December 2010 and understood to be held in the same prison as Farhad, Davoud and Naser), Farshid (also arrested in December 2010), and Behnam (arrested in May 2011). Yousef Nadarkhani (arrested in October 2009) also remains detained, awaiting a written verdict after his death sentence for apostasy was upheld in provincial court hearings in September 2011. Many others have been released on bail and are awaiting possible court hearings.
Iranian Christians request our prayers that:
a. Farhad, Davoud and Naser will know the presence and peace and healing of Jesus, and be acquitted and released soon
b. Likewise for Noorallah, Farshid, Behnam, Yousef and other detained believers
c. Shahnaz and other family members of detainees will know the Father's strength
d. Those released on bail would be acquitted of all false and unjust charges
e. All church members will know the Spirit's wisdom and guidance, especially concerning meeting together for worship
f. Confiscated property and bail money and title deeds would be returned
g. All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him
Open source used: Mohabat
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Website: www.meconcern.org
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