IRAN: Christian Convert Imprisoned and Exiled by the Islamic Republic, Dies

27 February 2024

Source: Article 18

An Iranian Christian convert who had been imprisoned and exiled by the regime has been found dead aged 38. Ebrahim Firouzi’s family told mourners at his burial that “he died of a heart attack” on Tuesday 20 February.

Ebrahim had been arrested by the Iranian regime for “acting against national security”. He had spent nearly seven years in prison.

After Ebrahim served his sentence, he was banished in 2019 to a remote region of Iran – near the border with Pakistan, in the Sistan and Baluchestan province. It was 1,600 km from his home near the capital, Tehran.

He had been taken into custody in 2011 as part of a wave of arrests after he was found to be in possession of Bibles, being part of a house church and promoting Christianity.

According to Mansour Borji of Article 18, “When Ebrahim was exiled, he became a respected member of his new community. He was starting a business and looking forward to having a relationship.

“He helped local schools, financing toilets and sanitation projects. He bought shoes, bags, and stationery for the young children in the area.

“He was hopeful for the future, and he created hope for the community he was living in.

“Ebrahim did not lose hope even during all those years in prison. He had an incredible fighting spirit.”

Sources say that Ebrahim’s brother had gone to visit him when he hadn’t heard from him for a few days when he discovered him in his flat.

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    Pray for them

    Pray the Lord will use Ebrahim’s testimony as a witness for the gospel. Pray that Iranian believers will be emboldened to continue in love and faith to serve the Lord.

    Ask the Lord to comfort Ebrahim’s loved ones in their time of grief.

    Pray for protection for the people smuggling printed and digital Bibles to believers. Pray for house church leaders and believers who remain in prison for their faith.

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