Iranian Christians request prayer for four Christian converts and their families after the men presented themselves at Evin Prison on 2 June to begin serving five-year sentences.
Hossein Kadivar, Khalil Dehghanpour, Kamal Naamanian and Mohammed Vafadar obeyed a summons issued on 28 May. They had been released on bail last July.
They were among nine Christian converts belonging to the Church of Iran who were arrested over a four-week period at the beginning of 2019. They were accused of endangering state security and promoting Zionism. Following a disagreement with the judge over the choice of a defence lawyer, the other five men were immediately transferred to Evin prison, as they were unable to meet extortionate bail demands of about $200,000 each.
In October 2019, all nine were convicted of “acting against national security” and each sentenced to five years’ imprisonment. The sentences were upheld on appeal in February 2020.
Source: Middle East Concern
- Pray God will grant His peace to those who recently started serving their prison sentences and encourage them greatly.
- Ask God to comfort the families of all Christians in prison, providing for their needs and encouraging them to trust in Him during this difficult time.
- Thank the Lord for the remarkable church growth in Iran and pray the believers will be bold in their witness for Him.
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In Genesis 18:25 we read; “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” And in Psalm 55:22 we read; “Cast your burden on the Lord, and he will sustain you; he will never permit the righteous to be moved.’ Good and generous Father, with these words of Scripture in mind we pray for our 9 sisters and brothers recently imprisoned including Hossein Kadivar, Khalil Dehghanpour, Kamal Naamanian and Mohammed Vafadar, for each of their families and friends, and the Church Community to which they belong. Thank you for your promises and faithfulness in keeping them. Encourage their hearts by the work of your Spirit and strengthen their faith in Christ. We pray for the nation of Iran, its leadership and peoples. We pray for a powerful work of your Spirit as the Gospel continues be shared and makes progress and convince us to support them by our prayers and offerings.