(Reading time: 1 - 2 minutes)

Farshid Fathi
Photo: Present Truth Ministries

Iran's Revolutionary Court recently upheld Pastor Farshid Fathi's six-year sentence for "political offences," forcing him to complete a prison term that began more than 18 months ago. Farshid was arrested in December 2010 for his Christian work, convicted of being the chief agent of foreign organizations in Iran and of administrating funds for foreign organizations (for more on his arrest, click here).

Both the verdict and sentence were upheld on appeal, and he will serve the remainder of his sentence in section 350 of Evin Prison. According to Elam Ministries, Farshid has become a shining beacon for Christ in Evin prison. The son of an Iranian Ayatollah has commented on Farshid's sweet nature in a video available on YouTube, remarking on how beloved Farshid is amongst the inmates.

Pray that God will grant Farshid endurance as he continues to bring light to those in Evin prison during the remainder of his sentence. Pray that his testimony will encourage other Christians throughout Iran. Pray that God will comfort Farshid's wife, Leila, and their two children, Rosana and Bardia. Pray that God will bless the Church in Iran.

For more on Iran's persecuted Church, please visit the Iran Country Report.

Current Ministry Fund

By funding television broadcasts, VOMC is making it possible for a vast audience of viewers throughout Iran to be reached via satellite with the "Good News" of Jesus' tremendous love for them. VOMC is also working with ministry partners to provide the Theology of Persecution course in the Farsi language so Iranian believers can be taught an accurate theological perspective and, therefore, gain a better understanding of persecution from a Biblical point of view.

Project Fund: Underground Church

Country Information

Designation
Persecuted

Population
85,888,910 (July 2021 est.)

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.

end

Select a Region

Iran News

  • Two Christians Released from Evin Prison
    Naser sitting in a home.
    Naser Navard Gol-Tapeh
    Photo: Article18

    When news broke out that Evin Prison in Tehran had experienced a fire on October 15th, families of the prisoners were rightly concerned about the safety of those who were inside during the incident. Sounds of gunfire had been heard in the prison, along with exp

    ...
  • Christian Couple Detained
    Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh
    Sara Ahmadi and Homayoun Zhaveh
    Photo: Article18

    Homayoun Zhaveh and his wife Sara Ahmadi have faced legal difficulties since June 2019 because of their faith. In November 2020, Sara was sentenced to 11 years in prison for her alleged role in leading a house church. Homayoun was sentenced to two yea

    ...