Thursday, August 31, 2023
BELARUS: Christian Threatened With Prosecution for Sharing Faith
Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18
On June 1st, Vladimir Burshtyn was detained because he had been sharing his Christian faith on the streets of Drogichin, Belarus. The elderly man received a $300 fine for his actions. (For further details on this incident, go to this report.) However, this was not the first time Vladimir was punished for practising his faith. He was previously fined in 2005 for leading an unregistered congregation, and again in 2008 for sharing his faith publicly.
The latest fine is equivalent to more than one month's average pension for a senior citizen like Vladimir. Despite the substantial opposition, the elderly man has determined to walk in the footsteps of the disciples who, in Acts 5, were forbidden from teaching publicly. In response to the persecution they encountered, these first-century believers replied, "We must obey God rather than men" (Acts 5:29). As a result of Vladimir's desire to share the eternal hope that's available through Christ, the district prosecutor threatened him on July 27th with criminal prosecution for "incitement of racial, ethnic, religious or other social hatred or discord" if he continues to share his faith in public.
A new and more restrictive religion law is presently being reviewed by the parliament of Belarus. If adopted in its present form, current restrictions would continue and, in some cases, increase. Not only will all churches be required to register with the government, but even those currently registered will be ordered to re-register within one year. For more on the persecution facing Christians in Belarus, read our country report.
Praise God for the unwavering commitment of this elderly believer, who is determined to spread the Gospel despite personal risks.
Pray that Vladimir will receive renewed strength, fortitude and peace in the days to come.
May God guide the actions of Belarusian parliament officials as they consider the proposed revisions to the country's religion law, directing their decisions so that our Christian brothers and sisters in this Eastern European nation will be granted religious freedom.
INDONESIA: Church Opponent Sentenced to Three Months in Jail
Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, Morning Star News
On February 19th, the members of the Tabernacle of David Christian Church were gathered for worship when an angry village leader, Wawan Kurniawan, stormed into the building. Pushing the pastor aside, he demanded that the service end immediately. Ten other villagers joined him, resulting in turmoil, as well as injuries to the pastor. (See this page for more details.)
Because of the violent nature of the confrontation, the matter was referred to police officials. In May, a settlement had been reached in which the church members agreed to leave any prosecution to the authorities in exchange for a public apology from Wawan, along with a temporary permit to continue worshipping (read more).
When the case went to court, the prosecutor asked that the village leader be sentenced to four years in prison. However, the judge reasoned that because Wawan had sought peace with the church, he would instead be sentenced to only three months in jail. Since the perpetrator had already been detained for nearly two months by that point, he was ordered to just serve the remaining 34 days.
The reactions of Christian leaders and those who provide leadership to human rights organizations have been mixed. While some speculate that a Christian would receive a much harsher sentence, others view this verdict as "a wake-up call for intolerant people." This is seen as the first case in Indonesia where perpetrators have not simply walked free. Andreas Harsono from Human Rights Watch calls the decision "a small step," but also praised the judge for "showing courage."
Pray that this situation will lead Wawan and others who oppose Christianity to reconsider their attitudes, bringing about greater religious equality throughout Indonesia.
Praise God for the judge's verdict, which appears to demonstrate some progress in recognizing the right for Indonesian followers of Jesus to worship in freedom and safety.
While further progress is being made, pray that Christians in this Southeast Asian country will continue to be powerful examples of God's love and grace to all those around them.
CHINA: Imprisoned Church Elder Hospitalized
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
Elder Zhang Chunlei, along with several other members of the Ren'ai Reformed Church, were arrested by authorities on March 16th, 2021 (see this page). The church elder's trial was held during November 2022; yet, in the months that have followed, his family received no news in regards to the verdict.
Elder Zhang's lawyer reports that the imprisoned Christian leader has been optimistic and remains in good spirits. However, he suddenly came down with a bout of cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder), resulting in severe pain. Although he was sent to Sanjiang hospital for treatment in early August, at last report, there has been no update provided about his condition. This situation has raised new concerns amongst Elder Zhang's family; this time, relating to his health and well-being in prison.
Please lift up Elder Zhang and his physical condition before God's throne of grace, praying that this imprisoned believer will receive divine healing and strength.
Also prayerfully remember his concerned family and church members as they await news of his well-being, asking that each one of them would experience the Lord's comforting presence and peace.
Pray that Elder Zhang will soon be freed from custody and that, in the meantime, he will serve as a testimony of God's salvation and grace to all those whom he encounters during imprisonment.
Thursday, August 24, 2023
PAKISTAN: Mass Violence After Blasphemy Accusations
Sources: VOMC Contacts, International Christian Concern, Kross Konnection, Pakistan Observer, Church in Chains, Open Doors Canada
On August 16th, thousands of people stormed a Christian colony in Jaranwala, a town located in the Faisalabad district of Punjab. Angered by allegations of blasphemy, and spurred on by urgent announcements that had been broadcasted over mosque loudspeakers, the incited mob either damaged or utterly destroyed up to 26 church buildings and as many as 400 homes. Thankfully, there were no reports of casualties following this recent attack. Please take the time to view the informative video alert that VOMC released the next day, which includes footage of the actual attacks.
This incident was sparked after two Christian brothers, named Rocky Saleem Masih and Raja Amir Saleem Masih, had been burning waste paper. Accusations that they were desecrating pages of the Quran ensued. Three local men also produced a letter that allegedly contained blasphemous comments about Muhammad. The brothers have been detained and charged under Pakistan's blasphemy laws.
Members of the military and police force were called in to stop the rampage, and their emergency intervention eventually settled the protestors. While the violence had abated in the days that followed, underlying tensions remain. The government has publicly condemned the attacks, and more than 100 warrants of arrest have been issued against the rioters. Governing leaders have promised to help the victims rebuild, but the survivors are sceptical.
On the Sunday following the attacks, the victimized Christians gathered for worship, but with apprehension. "We used to come here without any fear, but today we need the police," stated Nosheen Farman, who was unable to return to her burned home. At the Salvation Army church, around 200 Christians sat on chairs in an alley, amidst the rubble of their destroyed building. Worshippers were urged to remain steadfast in their faith, especially those who had experienced tremendous loss.
While the attacks are considered the result of a planned attempt to disrupt peace, not all Muslims in the area have sided with the rioters. In fact, at least one local mosque has announced that its facility is available to be used for Christian prayer services while the rebuilding takes place.
Tensions remain high in a country that's renowned for the violence of militants sparked by allegations of blasphemy. In Sahiwal, a city located about 100 kilometres south of Faisalabad, an attack of similar outrage was narrowly averted on August 20th. Ehsaan Shan Masih, a member of the Sahiwal Baptist Church, came across a video about the Jaranwala incident and shared the post on social media. Militant Islamic leaders in the area quickly called for protests, claiming that the Christian had committed blasphemy. Due to the timely intervention of police, thankfully the violence was prevented, and Ehsaan and his family were taken into protective custody. However, as demands were made for an arrest, the accused believer has been formally charged and remanded.
Please remember to pray for the hundreds of believers in Jaranwala who have been terribly affected by this most recent incident of senseless violence.
In the aftermath of the riots, may the Lord greatly comfort our Christian family in Pakistan and provide His divine protection from further attacks.
Ask that He would also meet the practical needs of all those who have lost so much – not only providing for their daily sustenance, but also the funds required to rebuild their homes and church buildings.
Additionally, please pray for Rocky, Raja and Ehsaan, who are now facing allegations of blasphemy – along with the many other Pakistani Christians already imprisoned on similar charges – asking that they would be found innocent and kept safe from vigilante violence.
BELARUS: More Harassment and Sentences for New Life Church
Source: VOMC
Sources: Forum18, Facebook posts by Sergiy Melyanets
For several years, the New Life Church in Minsk has faced opposition from the government, including the complete destruction of their place of worship on June 20th. (For more details, click here.) That act of destruction, however, did not stop ongoing harassment from government officials.
Each summer, the church organizes camps for children. Unfortunately, on July 10th, a bus carrying 50 children overturned on a poorly maintained road. Thankfully, there were no serious injuries nor any complaints. Even the state-controlled media published a report blaming the poor road conditions for the accident. However, the next day, the district tax office demanded financial reports from the church, along with any records between the church and the bus company. It is believed that the accident is now being used as an excuse to further harass the church.
On July 25th, the church's website was blocked by the government without warning. It was discovered that the prosecutor has banned the website for six months, alleging that the church was publishing "extremist" information, along with inciting threats to national security. A hearing regarding this case is scheduled for August 25th.
The government's opposition continued on August 14th when Pastor Vyacheslav Goncharenko's house was searched by officers from the Organized Crime and Corruption Department. The pastor, along with his son-in-law, Ilya Budai, who serves as the church's youth pastor, were arrested. The next day, Pastor Ilya was sentenced to five days' detention for allegedly waving his arms and swearing at the police – an accusation strongly denied by a witness. The sentencing for Pastor Vyacheslav's detention was ten days. The authorities gave no explanation for the senior pastor's arrest, but it is believed that his detention may have been extended in order to keep him from attending the August 25th hearing in regards to the alleged publishing of "extremist materials."
Pray for God's wisdom, endurance and provision on behalf of the church's leadership as they attempt to deal with the multiple recent incidents of harassment.
May these believers serve as testimonies of His love and grace as they respond in a Christ-like manner to those who stand strongly against them.
In the face of continuing opposition, pray that ongoing ministry opportunities will be presented to the members of the New Life Church so they can share the hope of eternal salvation that's available through Jesus Christ.
CHINA: Infirmed Pastor Handcuffed in Hospital
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
Pastor Ru Zongren, who suffers from kidney failure, was in the hospital for kidney dialysis on July 30th when police handcuffed him to his bed. He was detained in the hospital for five hours before finally being released.
Originally from a rural area of Anhui Province, Pastor Ru came to faith in Christ at an early age through the Christian witness of his parents. He eventually went on to study theology, graduating from seminary in 2007, prior to returning to his hometown where he has compassionately served the community since. Through his faithful ministry over the years, the Chengxi Christian Church has grown to establish a membership presently consisting of about 400 believers.
In May 2015, when local urban management officials entered the community, they destroyed the church's building. As Pastor Ru attempted to stop them, he was strangled and badly beaten. His injuries resulted in the permanent kidney damage he is dealing with today. The reasons behind his recent detention in the hospital are unclear.
Over the years, Pastor Ru has frequently encountered harassment from government officials, including added surveillance during times that were considered by authorities as "sensitive."
To read more accounts of the challenges experienced by China's Christians, and/or to view recorded video reports further addressing these concerns, go to our country report.
Please pray for the physical healing of Pastor Ru. May this faithful brother in Christ receive daily strength, comfort and peace through the power of God's indwelling Spirit.
Also pray that the Lord will enable other believers in this community to persevere amidst governmental opposition so that the work of the Gospel will continue to thrive and spread throughout this Communist nation.
Thursday, August 17, 2023
INDIA: Pastor and Family Detained; Multiple Other Christians Arrested
Source: VOMC
Sources: UCA News, Christian Post, Church in Chains
A pastor, his wife and their three-year-old son have been jailed in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh after holding a prayer service at their home in Haidargarh on July 30th. Pastor Harendra Singh and his wife Priya were arrested and remanded on allegations of "luring innocent people to Christianity." Because both of these parents were detained, they had to take their young son with them to prison.
This family was among several other groups of believers who were recently arrested in Uttar Pradesh. An unnamed Christian leader in the region stated, "The situation has reached such a stage that holding a prayer service or reading the Bible at home can land you in jail." On the same day that Pastor Harendra and his family were taken into custody, Pastor Amarjeet Ram and 14 other Christians were arrested at a prayer meeting in the village of Balapur. While 11 of the believers had been released on bail soon afterwards, Pastor Amarjeet and three others remained in custody until they were granted bail on August 9th. Additionally, in two separate incidents that occurred around the same time in other districts of the state, similar arrests were made of seven other Christians.
State law prohibits any change of religion through allurement, force or coercion. However, false accusations frequently lead to charges where there has been no such inducement. Uttar Pradesh tops the list of states in India where Christians experience persecution because of their faith.
For more reports addressing the challenges encountered by our Christian brothers and sisters in India, go to our country report.
Pray that all charges will be dropped against these Christians who now must legally contend with judicial authorities in defence of the false accusations presented against them because of their faith.
In the interim, may Pastor Harendra and his family, as well as the other believers remaining in custody, tangibly sense the Lord's comforting presence with them.
Amid the increasing religious tensions taking place in various states of India, pray that followers of Jesus will find effective ways to continue sharing the love and grace of God with those around them.
INDONESIA: Access to Church Building Blocked
Source: VOMC
Source: International Christian Concern
Gaining permission to build a church building in Indonesia has proven onerous for many followers of Jesus, creating multiple instances of conflict between Christians, community members, as well as their governing leaders.
(For previously published reports outlining some of these incidents, go to our country report.)
The Indonesian Pentecostal Church in Sungai Barar, which is located on the island of Sumatra, had managed to successfully go through the approval process and complete the construction of their new building with all necessary permits. Rather than being able to enjoy gathering in their government-approved facility, the congregation now faces a new challenge: local community members have built a wall that is blocking the only passable road to the building.
In a social media post that was published on July 24th, Pastor Ruyanto Situmorang shared how surrounding landowners had constructed a wall across the road, preventing congregants from gathering. Alternate roads were impassable due to large holes and other obstructions. The church's leadership has brought their case before the Regional Representatives Council of Jambi Province, whose members are imploring the local government to help the congregation resolve the issue.
Pray that the officials of Sumatra's provincial and local governments would be open and willing to assist this congregation in finding an amicable resolution to the dispute relating to the wall built by opposing neighbours.
May this challenging situation serve as an opportunity for these church members to demonstrate the love, grace and peace of God to their opposers.
Furthermore, please pray for the Lord's blessings upon the ministry of this body of believers as they faithfully reach out to those of their community with the Good News of the Gospel.
ERITREA: Several Imprisoned Christians Released!
Source: VOMC
Source: VOM USA
In a Persecution & Prayer Alert report that was published on July 27th, a call had been issued for prayer on behalf of two Christian leaders who have served more than 7,000 days in prison, without charge, because of their faith.
(For more details about their situations, go to this page.)
Although Pastor Haile and Dr. Kiflu presently remain imprisoned, along with hundreds of other Eritrean followers of Christ, we can at least rejoice over the good news that 13 believers were released from custody in late July. The seven women and six men had reportedly been in prison for approximately ten years. Due to security concerns, the names of these recently released Christians have not been made public.
Speaking of the recent releases, Todd Nettleton from VOM USA states, "We may never know [on] this side of heaven exactly how all those pieces fell into place." Todd further explains that he does not believe it was merely a coincidence that these Christians were freed so soon after 'the call to prayer and action' was issued on behalf of believers imprisoned in Eritrea. This serves as an encouraging reminder to us all that prayer changes things!
Please join us in praising God for the recent release of the 13 Eritrean believers, while also continuing to pray for the hundreds of other Christians remaining unjustly imprisoned in the country.
May God intervene in the hearts and minds of the officials responsible for detaining these persevering followers of Jesus, as well as the fellow inmates with whom the Christian prisoners interact each day.
Finally, pray that the Lord will grant His sustaining grace, protection and strength to each one of our suffering Christian family members in this East African nation.
Thursday, August 10, 2023
PAKISTAN: Church Attacked During Prayer Service
Source: VOMC
Source: Pak Christian News
Members of the Lala Zarr Church in Peshawar had gathered for a prayer service on the evening of August 3rd when a group of angry men from the neighbourhood suddenly rushed into their place of worship. Initially, the men demanded that the volume of the sound system be reduced. However, shortly after the disruption, several other armed men stormed into the church building that evening, causing panic among the congregation.
The armed men fired several shots inside the building, causing damage but fortunately not hitting anyone. They then vandalized the facility and dragged Pastor Zulfiqar outside, where they assaulted him with the butts of their guns. Due to the attack, the pastor suffered injuries to his head and one of his eyes.
In response to this violence, the National Commission for Human Rights in Peshawar condemned the attack, emphasizing that such incidents are an affront to the core principles of human rights and freedom of religion. As a result, human rights advocates are calling upon the government to ensure that minority communities are safe and that those responsible for the violence are brought to justice.
For other reports on incidents of persecution against Pakistan's Christians, go to our country report.
Pray that the perpetrators of this violent incident will be brought to justice and that necessary protections would be provided to the leaders and congregants of Lala Zarr Church, as well as all other believers who are at risk in various areas of the country.
May our Christian brothers and sisters in Pakistan receive ongoing wisdom, guidance and peace as they minister to neighbours in their communities who have yet to understand and accept God's wonderful gift of salvation through Jesus Christ.
KYRGYZSTAN: Fines for "Missionary Activities"
Source: VOMC
Source: Forum18
In multiple incidents that took place during late March, Christians from registered churches in Kyrgyzstan were issued fines for conducting "illegal missionary activities." News of the raids had not been released until recently due to fear of reprisals.
On March 26th, the State Commission for Religious Affairs (SCRA), along with several police officers, raided the St. Nicholas Catholic Church in Talas. People leaving the evening mass were forced back into the building by armed officers. The congregants were ordered to remain in the building until two nuns signed a confession stating that they were "spreading their ideology" and thus guilty of practising "illegal missionary activities." The two women each received a fine equivalent to an average of two weeks' wages.
Around the same date that the Catholic church was being raided, state officials also invaded a Protestant church, despite the fact that the place of worship is officially registered with the government. During the raid, two foreign believers were issued fines. For security reasons, no further details about this incident are available.
The Catholic church has since appealed the sentence, but without effect. The SCRA has warned the Catholic administration overseeing congregations in the country that any further "violations" could result in the liquidation of the organization's national administration. Government agencies have refused to give any explanation for their actions and threats.
For more details on the difficulties facing Christians in Kyrgyzstan, go to our country report.
Pray that the government's opposition against both churches will cease, allowing followers of Jesus to continue worshipping without fear of further repercussions from the authorities.
May God especially grant peace, comfort and encouragement to each of the four believers who are presently facing charges, also providing the funds they need to pay the fines levied against them.
Additionally, pray that the Lord will work mightily within the hearts and minds of those who are opposing the various churches throughout Kyrgyzstan, leading each one to repentance and salvation in Christ.
CHINA: Church Leaders’ Trial Set for August 21st
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
In August 2021, 12 church leaders from the Golden Lampstand Church in Linfen, Shanxi, were arrested – including Pastor Wang Xiaoguang and his wife, Yang Rongli. The government accused the Christians of fraud because the church was collecting money in the form of tithes and offerings to support the ministry.
The authorities attempted to coerce the ten church members to turn against the pastor and his wife in exchange for being released on bail. Some firmly refused; others initially agreed but then later refused, and a few chose to cooperate with the police in the face of the mounting pressures against them. The church members who were released on bail will be represented by lawyers appointed by the government. Those who refused to cooperate have remained in prison for the past two years while awaiting trial.
The church has been notified that the case will be heard on August 21st at the Yaodu District People's Court in Linfen. Prior to this situation, Pastor Wang and his wife previously served time in prison because of their ministry activities. In 2009, they were arrested for "gathering a mob to disturb public order" after organizing a prayer rally (read more). For that conviction, Pastor Wang served four years and Yang seven years in prison. There are concerns that the sentencing for the new charges may be more severe.
Please pray for the upcoming trial, asking that there would be a favourable outcome for these accused Christian leaders, many of whom have patiently endured imprisonment for the past couple of years on false charges.
May God minister His perfect peace to their hearts and minds, while providing them wisdom, protection, and the spiritual fortitude they need to stand firm in the midst of ongoing pressure.
Also prayerfully uphold all the other members of this persecuted church, who have faced so many trials over the years, praying that these faithful followers of Jesus will likewise be empowered by the Holy Spirit so they can continue leading lives of resilient faith.
Thursday, August 3, 2023
CHINA: Youth Summer Camp Raided
Source: VOMC
Source: ChinaAid
The Xuncheng (Zion) Reformed Church has faced repeated raids and arrests in recent years, as the government attempts to forcibly shut down the church. The most recent incident, which took place on July 25th, involved a raid on a youth summer camp.
As the church anticipated a three-day youth camp, starting on July 24th, the believers met for Sunday worship and determined to spread the Gospel message in spite of any opposition they would potentially encounter. "We are willing for the Word of the Lord to spread quickly, even if our own interests will suffer as a result," they proclaimed. "Therefore, we, in this church, have also been gathering in the name of the Lord and making it as public as possible."
On the second day of the church's youth ministry program, police officers and representatives from the religious affairs bureau burst into the building where the believers were meeting. Four Christian leaders were apprehended, and each one of them was given a 15-day "administrative detention." Bibles, cell phones, and other belongings were confiscated the following day.
The four arrested Christians have all faced detentions before. Pastor An Yankui and Zhang Chenghao had each been sentenced to one year in prison for attending a Christian conference in Malaysia (read more). In June of this year, Wang Yingjie and his wife Wang Ying served 15-day detentions as part of the authorities' ongoing harassment of their church.
When this youth camp had been raided, and these church leaders detained, the children attending the summer camp that day were left in the care of Pastor An's wife and the wife of Zhang Chenghao. The authorities summoned the youths' parents to the camp and permitted them to leave with their children as their names were called. Some of the parents spoke with law enforcement officers about their children's Bibles, which had been confiscated during the raid.
Pray for strength, courage and peace on behalf of the four recently arrested Christian leaders who are presently serving their detentions.
May these faithful believers, along with other members of the Xuncheng Reformed Church, receive greatly needed encouragement as they endeavour to continue steadfastly serving the Lord.
Please also pray for the children who were attending the summer camp and thus witnessed the leaders' arrests, asking that these youngsters be surrounded by the comforting presence of our loving Heavenly Father.
PAKISTAN: Christian Charged Under Anti-Terrorism Laws
Source: VOMC
Sources: Eurasia Review, Morning Star News, AsiaNews
In September 2022, Imran Rehman was accused of blasphemy because of the material he posted on a WhatsApp group chat. The Pakistani believer was arrested and detained to await trial. Unfortunately, since his arrest, proposed changes to Pakistan's laws were drafted. If approved, blasphemy cases could be tried under the revised anti-terrorism laws. Even though the legislation is still only in draft form, Imran recently had terrorism charges laid against him.
Imran's lawyer has filed a petition for the terrorism charges to be removed, referring to them as "illegal and illogical." However, that petition was dismissed on July 6th. An appeal to the Lahore High Court is planned. The Christian man denies ever sharing blasphemous content on the WhatsApp's text messaging service.
The blasphemy laws in Pakistan are frequently used to settle personal scores or cause problems for religious minorities. While those convicted may face a death sentence, an actual judicial execution for blasphemy has never occurred. Instead, prisoners continue to be held in custody with little hope for release. One such prisoner is Anwar Kenneth, a Christian man who was sentenced to death in 2002 and continues to remain in captivity.
For additional reports on persecution in Pakistan, go to our country report.
May Imran and his lawyer be filled with the Lord's wisdom and peace as they seek a resolution to these additional charges.
Pray that justice will prevail in Imran's case, and that the charges against this Christian man would be dismissed.
Continue to remember all those who are presently suffering in prison under Pakistan's widely abused blasphemy laws, praying that God will grant these prisoners and their families protection, strength, endurance and hope so they can courageously carry on each day in anticipation of His needed intervention.
IRAN: Imprisoned Christian Grieves Over Loss of Son
Source: VOMC
Sources: Church in Chains, Article18, The Mirror
In January 2019, Mehdi Akbari was arrested along with fellow Christian converts during coordinated raids on their homes. In October 2020, he was sentenced to ten years in prison for "acting against national security" by "forming an illegal evangelical Christian group." During the trial, which lasted mere minutes, the judge ridiculed the believer's faith and referred to Christianity as a "deviant religion."
Mehdi, who prefers to go by Yasser, was a single parent whose only son, Amir-Ali, had cerebral palsy. Upon Yasser's detention, the 18-year-old boy was sent to a care facility in Tehran. In December 2021, the detained Christian father received news that Amir-Ali had passed away due to health complications. Despite pleas to the court, Yasser was not given leave to attend the burial of his son. Thankfully, he had been granted a short visit two months before his son died.
After serving three years in Tehran's notorious Evin Prison, the Christian man continues to suffer from the trauma of his grievous situation. A letter was recently smuggled out of the prison, giving a first-hand account of the struggles he has been facing.
Yasser describes how he was being tortured in the Tehran prison while his terminally ill son lay dying outside its confining walls. Now, more than a year and a half later, Yasser states that he still carries his grief within him "like a suppressed cry and an unexpressed sorrow." After describing the final visit he had with his son while surrounded by prison officials, he writes, "I consider the best moment of my life to be the last time I hugged my Amir-Ali."
In his letter, Yasser also reflects on the charges against him. "Is worshipping God a crime?" he asks. The detained believer states that, when taken to court, he naively believed he would appear before a fair judge who would rule according to the country's constitution. "But what an illusion that was!" he adds. Having no lawyer to represent him, Yasser writes that he had no idea how to reply to the accusations that he somehow acted "against national security."
Considering his faith, Yasser writes, "When the night drags its black mantle over the prison, and the sadness sinks in with the sunset, the beats of the seconds of the clock hit like a whip in my mind, and I begin to wonder...if this faith of mine is worth enduring such pressures." But then, when Yasser ponders on his relationship with God, he receives greatly needed reassurance. "Time and time again, I have found myself surrounded with these thoughts, and each time I have answered firmly: 'Yes, of course it is worth it.'" The imprisoned believer is thankfully able to firmly testify, "I only know that I am, and will remain, a Christian; and that I will preach about the light of God and Kingdom of heaven to everyone."
Iran has been described as a country that is home to the fastest growing church in the world, with an estimated one million Christian converts from Muslim backgrounds. The Islamic theocratic government has actively fought against this growth, imprisoning many followers of Jesus, including Yasser. For more details, go to our country report.
Mass Arrest of Christians
Nearly 60 Iranian Christians were swept up in a sudden wave of arrests across the country in mid-July, crippling ministry work. “Most ministries have stopped their activities,” said a front-line worker. His comments follow reports of three Christians arrested in Tehran on May 9, 2023. Agents of the Islamic Revolutionary Court arrived that morning with search warrants and confiscated mobile phones, laptops, books and pamphlets. One of the three Christians was able to make a short phone call and stated that they were being interrogated under severe pressure. Families of the three Christians report that they have not heard from them since and that government authorities have not responded to requests for information, nor have they confirmed their detention or allowed lawyers to be involved in the cases.
Praise God for Yasser's resilient faithfulness to the Lord, despite his painful circumstances.
Please keep this dear Christian brother in your prayers, asking that he would soon be released from captivity and that, in the meantime, he will be granted continued strength of heart, mind and body.
Pray for the many in prison and recently arrested. Finally, pray that God will continue working mightily throughout Iran by leading many to faith in Christ – including the country's opposing governmental and judicial officials.