 Maryam Naghash-Zargaran Photo: Mohabat News |
Iranian Christian convert, Maryam Naghash-Zargaran (also known as Nasim), is presently serving a four-year term in the women's ward of Evin Prison for "propagating against the Islamic regime, and colluding to undermine national security." The court verdict states that Nasim had started a house church and was evangelizing Muslim women and youth. Since her incarceration, the 35-year-old believer has experienced some serious health concerns.
On Sunday, September 29th, Nasim was transferred from Evin prison to Modares hospital to be treated after an apparent heart attack. Although she had previously undergone heart surgery, the stressful conditions of imprisonment have acerbated her heart disease. The mental anguish and resulting depression Nasim also recently suffered have compounded matters, indicating that her imprisonment is posing serious risks to her health.
Reportedly, there are three other known female Christian converts and activists being detained in Evin prison. Like Nasim, Somayeh Bakhtiari, Ronak Samavat, and Nasim Zanjani have also been sentenced for holding prayer meetings and worship services in house churches. To learn more about Iran's political stance on Christianity, go to the Iran Country Report.
It's very difficult for us to truly understand the tremendous pressures Muslim converts face in a society that harshly opposes the Christian faith. This typically includes persecution at the hands of their family members who may disown them, cause physical harm and possibly death. Please pray for God's protection, strength and peace upon Nasim and others who are imprisoned in Iran for their faith...those who've bravely spread the Gospel message of Jesus Christ despite the great dangers posed to them. May mercy be extended to these believers by the legal system, so they will be released. Let's also pray that Nasim will be completely healed and restored to full health and wellness, serving as a testimony of God's faithfulness and power in her life.
Designation
