News
Execution Ordered For Youcef
We have received a report out of Iran that the Iranian courts have signed an execution order for brother Youcef Nadarkhani. At this point this is the only detail we know. Based upon how the Iranian courts have acted in the past we do not know what to anticipate. Often they will execute people without any prior notice to attorney’s or family. The order has not been delivered to Youcef’s family and we do not know if they will allow another appeal. We also do not know if it has been approved by the Ayatollah who is the head of the...
read moreBrother Youcef’s Life In Danger
I have received word from my contacts that brother Youcef Nadarkhani’s life is in immanent danger. There is now an increased chance that he will be executed for his faith. His case has stalled and negotiations have ceased. We ask that you pray for brother Youcef and if the Lord leads you to fast as well.
read moreContinued Persecution of the Church in Iran
Brother Behnam Irani, who is in prison in Karaj, Iran, for “crimes” against the Islamic order, is in ill health. He is experiencing some sort of intestinal disorder. His family is very concerned because his brother died from intestinal cancer. I ask that you pray for complete healing for brother Behnam. As you pray remember in faith that Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. Pastor Mehdi Karbalaee who left the country is waiting for his trial to take place in Tehran. He will be put on trial without him being present for...
read moreHow You Can Help Youcef
As we reported previously, the Iranian Chief Justice, Ayatollah Sadegh Larijani, has ordered the local judiciary in Lakan province to not deliver a verdict until the end of 2012. You may recall from previous posts that he remains under the death sentence and is awaiting the verdict of his retrial. Ultimately, the Iranian government would like Christians and the international community to forget about Youcef so that they can secretly execute him. We cannot let that happen. A few people have asked, what can I do to help Youcef? There are several...
read moreThree Church of Iran Pastors In Prison
Pastor Behnam Irani of Karaj, Iran is in prison serving a five year sentence for crimes against the order. As we reported previously his crimes were being a pastor and possessing Christian materials. In the recent past we received reports that he was being beaten by fellow prisoners with the approval of prison authorities. While he was in prison his hair turned fully grey. Pray that God keeps him healthy and strong in faith. Brother Petros Forouton, a minister of the Gospel from Shiraz, Iran also remains in prison, serving a one year sentence...
read moreYoucef Pressured To Return To Islam Again
Our sources report that brother Youcef Nadarkhani’s lawyers met last week with Mr. Heshmati, the chief justice of Gilan province. Once again, the chief justice told them that if Youcef repents, that is, leaves Christianity and returns to Islam, he will be released from prison. Youcef informed his attorneys that repenting means to return. He said that it’s impossible since he was never a Muslim at any time in his life. Every arm of government in Iran is an extension of the Islamic Mullahs who rule the country. The judiciary is not...
read moreYoucef Nadarkhani Update – 1/19/2012
You may have seen reports recently that Youcef Nadarkhani was given an offer to be released if he acknowledged Mohammed as a prophet sent from God. They were looking for a way to release him, but also to announce that he has recanted and turned back to Islam. The Iranian government’s ultimate goal is to preserve “the glory of Islam.” Brother Youcef has not accepted the offer that they have given him. Therefore he remains in prison, for a total of 830 days and counting. He is still waiting for the court to deliver the verdict that by law...
read moreYoucef Nadarkhani Being Held In Prison In Violation of His Rights
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has now been held in prison without a verdict for over three months. Iranian law guarantees the delivery a verdict within a week after the completion of the trial. It is clear the Iranian judiciary has little regard for their own laws and for human rights in general. According to an international legal source I am in contact with, “The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 9 stipulates: “No one shall be subjected to arbitrary arrest, detention or exile.” The corresponding provision in the International...
read moreHouse Church Raided In Ahvaz, Iran
We have received a report that a house church in Ahvaz, Iran was raided by VEVAK in the morning on Friday December 23rd. Pastor Farahad Sabokrouh was arrested along with several members of the church. It has also been reported that many young children were left behind to be cared for by one elderly woman. This is a church made up of former Mandaean’s that have converted to Christianity. Please pray for these families and children. If we receive any more details we’ll make them known as they become available.
read morePressure Increases On Iranian Pastors
Please continue to pray for pastors Youcef Nadarkhani, Behnam Irani, and Petros Furouton. Each of them are in prison. Behnam is to serve until 2016, Petros until the fall of 2012, and there is still no resolution in Youcef’s apostasy case. Several other pastors are in the process of fleeing the country as they are being called in to serve prison time. Along with having to leave their churches and extended family behind, they are in the slow and painful process of financial ruin while living in poverty. We do not lose hope “as we look...
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