On September 9, Pastor Hamid Pourmand was arrested, along with 85 other evangelical leaders in Iran (click here). Within a few days, all were released, except Pourmand (click here).
Since his arrest, there has only been one brief contact, when Pourmand called his wife last week and said he is alright. There is growing concern among Iranian Christians for his life, since he converted from Islam nearly twenty-five years before. Those who convert from Islam in Iran face the death penalty.
Despite the harsh opposition to Christianity in Iran, Compass Direct reports that at least sixty percent of Iranians have had the opportunity to hear the Gospel and Christianity continues to grow.
Pray for the continued spread of the Gospel in Iran, despite the extremely harsh opposition. Pray for church leaders, as they help the Iranian Church stand firm. Pray for physical and emotional strength for Pastor Pourmand. Pray that he will be released and that, during his time in prison, he will have the opportunity to be a light to those around him.
For more information on persecution in Iran, click here.
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