In an attempt to silence an Iranian Christian human rights activist living in England, Iranian authorities detained his Muslim father, according to a May 20 report from Compass Direct. In February, Iranian authorities phoned Abdul Zahra Vashahi (62) and warned him that he would be arrested unless his son stopped his human rights activities. On May 14, Abdul was arrested in the city of Bandar Mahshahr. Authorities interrogated him about his son, John Vashahi (30), a convert from Islam to Christianity who founded the Iranian Minorities Human Rights Organization. Abdul was released after six days. When John was asked whether he believes it was his faith or his work that led to his father's arrest, he said, "I think it's both, because part of my human rights activity is in regard to Christians in Iran, and we've been in touch with Christians and persecuted churches."
Pray for continued strength and wisdom for John as he raises awareness and support for minorities in Iran (2 Timothy 1:5). Pray that his father will come to know Christ as Lord.
For more information on the persecution facing Christians in Iran, click here.
Members of the Zanzibar Pentecostal Church, a house church in the town of Unguja Ukuu near Zanzibar City in Tanzania, were expelled from their rented premises on May 9 by militant Muslims, according to a May 26 report from Compass Direct. Approximately 20 believers fled for their lives when Muslim militants gathered outside the building and shouted, "We do not want the church to be in our locality." The Muslims were reportedly angered by the believers' evangelistic activities and had issued threats against church members. At last report, the Christians were still unable to use the rented premises for worship and were raising money to buy their own property. 
