On 15 November, Iranian Christian convert Saheb Zaman Fadaie received 80 lashes for drinking communion wine. He is the second Christian to have this sentence implemented in two months.
This sentence was issued against Fadaie, as well as two others, in September 2016. They also received a 10 year prison sentence for acting against national security, which they began serving in 2018. This past May, their prison sentences were reduced, Fadaie will be imprisoned for six years.
The Iranian regime’s harsh suppression of conscience is well-documented and internationally recognised. In terms of religious freedom, they are one of the worst violators across the globe. This persecution has not prevented the church from existing and growing, but it is nevertheless deeply challenging and impactful on congregants.
Sources: International Christian Concern, Middle East Concern
- Pray that God will bring healing and consolation to Saheb after this punishment. Ask the Lord to provide comfort and strength to him as he remains in prison.
- Ask God to support and comfort Saheb’s wife and children as they continue to suffer separation.
- Praise God for the remarkable church growth in Iran. Pray the oppression from the authorities will be used by God to embolden the faith of believers.
Post your prayer in the comments below.
Praise God for the persecution. Heaven is sure brother. Jesus died for our salvation, Stephen died for the gospel to be spread, lashing you will save more. More grace
Abba, our dear Father in heaven,
Our hearts break for Saheb, and his dear wife and children. May your Holy Spirit minister to them, comforting them and strengthening them through each day and night as they endure the prolonged separation, pain and suffering inflicted upon them.
As Saheb endures this persecution, I pray that You would reassure him that he is being lifted in prayer to the Almighty One and that You are listening to every one of those prayers. Enable him to stand his ground, dear Lord, trusting in You completely, knowing that his life is in the hands of the One who loves him with an everlasting love. He has been counted worthy to suffer for Your Name. Bless and encourage him Lord, as he lives out his prison sentence, that he may honour You as a witness for Christ to his oppressors. May his witness continue to help your church grow in Iran. In Jesus’ holy name, I pray.
Amen! What a wonderful, articulate prayer. All I can add is Amen.
Amen and amen and may the Lord have mercy on Saheb Zaman Fadaie! Matthew 5:10-12
Blessed and holy Lord Jesus, you see your people suffering all over the globe and you warned us and exhorted us that, ‘Everyone who wants to live a Godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted.” We praise you for watching over your people one by one, and collectively, holding them up. Strengthen their faith and especially the faith of our brother Saheb Zaman Fadaie and others suffering like him under the repressive regime in Iran. Give them joy in your Spirit and bless them with lives beyond reproach as they are held prisoner. Strengthen their faith that they might persevere, and give their families hope in Christ and through the means of grace you have provided. Thank you Father for Saheb. Please have mercy upon him.
Amen! Thank you Steve.
Yeshua so many world wide suffer for their faith and trust in you. Here is another story of that happening. Lord we pray for your healing of Saheb’s wounds that he received as the result of the lashings. We also pray for you to comfort and strengthen him and all christians who are in prison for their faith in Iran. Just as you strengthened Peter, Silas and Paul, when they were all put in prison, we pray you do the same for these christians. We also pray just as you used what happened to Peter, Paul and Silas for your glory, you will do the same here. We pray for the families of each prisoner that you will provide for them, and comfort them, and be their husband, father, brother and friend, whilst their loved ones cant.
Lord may those who did this evil deed, see the error of their ways, and also see the truth in you, and come to know you too. In your loving name we pray.