An Iranian Christian who has been conducting Bible studies in his home for many years and has been actively involved in itinerant evangelism is being held in police custody without charge, according to a May 22 report from Compass Direct. Ali Kaboli (51) converted to Christianity as a teenager and has been serving in lay ministry for decades. Over the years, he has been repeatedly arrested, threatened and interrogated and has faced travel restrictions and an arson attack on his home but has remained undeterred.
On May 2, secret police arrested him in his carpentry workship in Gorgan. With the exception of one brief telephone call, he has been refused contact with any visitors since his arrest. Since his arrest, several of the Christians who attended Bible studies in his home have been questioned by police.
Though he has not yet been charged, Kaboli faces the possibility of prosecution for holding "illegal" religious meetings in his home. He could also be charged under Iran's apostasy laws for converting from Islam, even though it took place thirty-three years ago. Kaboli is married with five grown children.
Pray that Ali will know the peace and joy of the Lord during his time of isolation and imprisonment (Philippians 4:7). Pray for strength for his family and members of the church. Pray for Christians throughout Iran who are facing opposition for their faith.
For more information on the persecution of Christians in Iran, click here. Read Glenn Penner's weblogs on May 19 and 20 on reports that Iran plans to impose dress codes on non-Muslims.
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