Jamal Ghalishorani and Nadereh Jamali Photos from Compass Direct
Three Christians were arrested in Iran's capital city of Tehran on January 21, according to a January 23 report from Compass Direct. At approximately 7:00 a.m., officials apprehended Hamik Khachikian, an Armenian Christian, as well as Jamal Ghalishorani (49) and his wife, Nadereh Jamali, who are converts to Christianity from Islam. Books and computers were confiscated from the believers' homes. At last report, the location of the three Christians and the charges placed against them had not been disclosed. According to local sources, pressure against Christians has increased in recent months, resulting in the detention of approximately 50 believers across the country.
Pray for the release of these Christians. Pray that they will come into a deeper relationship with Christ as they embrace the fellowship of His sufferings (Philippians 3:7-10). Ask God to strengthen and encourage their families during this difficult time.
Learn more about how Christians are persecuted in Iran by visiting the Iran Country Report. The feature article in the February edition of VOMC's monthly newsletter focuses on the persecution of Christians in Iran. Click here to subscribe.
Current Ministry Fund
By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers to be reached throughout Iran with the "Good News" of Jesus' love via satellite.
Ethnicity Persian, Azeri, Kurd, Lur, Baloch, Arab, Turkmen and Turkic tribes
Religion (%) Islam (99.6), other, including Christian (0.3), Unspecified (0.2)
Leader President Ebrahim Raisi (2021)
Government type Theocratic republic
Legal system Religious legal system based on secular and Islamic law
Source: CIA World Factbook
Pray for Iran
As the Gospel message goes forth over the airwaves, may the growth of the church continue to multiply despite persecution. Pray that the Iranian government will be open to change, allowing full rights and protection for its non-Muslim citizens as well. In the meantime, may those who are forced to flee the country find safe refuge and help so they can live in peace and worship the Lord with freedom.
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