Christian convert Nasser Navard Goltapeh, 59, is currently serving a 10-year prison sentence.
Nasser was arrested in June 2016 at a private gathering in Tehran, along with three foreign visitors. They were held in solitary confinement in Evin Prison for two months, enduring intense interrogation. In 2017 they were sentenced to 10 years in prison (the foreign defendants in absentia) for
Source: Middle East Concern
action against national security and establishing house churches.
The verdict was upheld on appeal. Nasser started serving his sentence in January 2018. After serving a third of the sentence, Nasser requested conditional release and received assurances this would be granted. However, on 22 June Nasser received a letter from the prosecutor’s office denying him parole. No reason was given for the refusal.
Nasser is understandably disappointed, but after a month he is eligible to make another application.
Let us pray.
- Pray for the opportunity to submit a new application for parole. Ask that it may be favourably received, and permission granted.
- Ask God to give Nasser His peace during this difficult time and encourage him in his disappointment.
- Praise God for the growth of the church in Iran. Ask God to strengthen His children as they encourage one another in the faith.
Praying for you Nasser that God will keep you in perfect peace.
Lord over all, there is no one like you. You rule over all things with wisdom, power, compassion and justice. We pray for your servant Nasser Navard Goltapeh, and pray that the opportunity to submit a new application for parole would be favourably received, and permission granted. Blessed and Holy Lord Jesus please give Nasser your continued contentment and peace during this difficult time and encourage him in his disappointment. We praise you Father for the growth of the church in Iran and plead for you to strengthen your children by the power of your Spirit as they encourage one another in the faith. Give grace Heavenly Father to our brother and many like him suffering for their faith in Christ.
Father God I pray for Nasser, that you will strengthen him and give him peace. I pray that you will fill him with your Holy Spirit, that he will be so close to you that others around him will see it and fear God. Lord will you make Nasser your hands and feet even in the depths of an Iranian prison. Amen
Praying! Praying against discouragement and despair. That our God will fill you with encouragement and hope!!!!