 Photo: Barnabas Aid |
Six Christians from Shiraz, who were sentenced to various prison terms last year, had their sentences upheld on March 29th following an appeal.
In July of 2013, following a raid on their prayer meeting, the six were charged with "action against the national security" and "propaganda against the order of the system." (For more information on the raid, click here.) Another two Christians who were also arrested at the time, Roxana Forghi and Shahin Lahouti, have since been released.
The six remaining in detention are Mohammad Roghangir (six-year sentence), Massoud Rezai (five-year sentence), Mehdi Ameruni and Bijan Farokhpour Haghighi (three-year sentences), Suroush Saraie (two-and-a-half-year sentence), and Eskandar Rezai (one-year sentence).
As these believers and their loved ones now try to cope with this latest disappointment, pray that they will look to Jesus and not lose heart (Hebrews 12:3). May they use their time in prison to be "salt" and "light" to those around them, prompting many to learn more about the Saviour for whose cause they are presently suffering. Please also lift up the country of Iran to our Lord, asking Him to encourage the growth of His church and equip His people to do the good works He has prepared in advance for them (Ephesians 2:10).
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