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Iranian Believers Suffer . . . and Endure . . . Under Extreme Pressure
january/ 28 /2007
In Iran today, it is almost impossible to live a public Christian life. Since last year’s election of Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, intimidation of Christians has intensified dramatically
The persecution of Christians in Iran today is not a series of isolated events, but a state policy implemented at all levels of government. Numerous house-groups have been closed down, and the regime appears to have adopted a deliberate policy of gradual eradication of churches.
Despite constitutional guarantees of religious freedom, Christians and their churches are intensely regulated, subjected to intrusive questioning, and even infiltrated by government agents. Christians never know if the new face in their congregation is a new believer or a government official.
A Capital Crime: Accepting Christ
At greatest risk are Muslim background believers. In the eyes of the government, turning to Christ is a crime punishable by death.
Still, many Muslims take that risk and secretly become believers. They cannot declare their faith openly, for families and communities often react violently. Muslim-background believers can be disowned, beaten, or even killed by their own families. If discovered by the government, they could be arrested, imprisoned, or sentenced to death.
Muslim-background believers also struggle to grow in their faith. Churches are forbidden to accept Muslims or ex-Muslims into their congregations, and selling Bibles in the Farsi language is illegal.
But some Christians are willing and eager to meet in secret with new believers. These Christians willingly risk interrogations, fines, arrests, imprisonment, torture, and even death to disciple believers and distribute Bibles
A Desperate Need for Help
These brave Christians urgently need your help. Many are new believers themselves and are not fully equipped to lead house groups. Please pray that these believers would receive the training, Bibles, and other Christian resources they so desperately need.
Finally, continue to pray that the revival sweeping across Iran would continue despite increased persecution. Pray that those who are seeking the Truth in this life would find it in Jesus Christ.
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