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Iran: Pray for Hamed
An Iranian Christian convert has begun a ten-month prison sentence for ‘propaganda against the Islamic republic’.
Hamed Ashouri, age 31, was arrested in February 2019 whilst leaving his home in Fardis, which is located west of the capital Tehran. Agents raided his home and confiscated all Christian items, including Bibles and other literature, as well as computer hard drives. Hamed’s initial stint in prison included ten days in solitary confinement.
Refusal to inform on Christians and attend ‘re-education’ classes
During interrogations, Hamed was offered a financial reward to inform on other Christians. He refused and was beaten. After being released on bail, he and another family member were forced to attend ‘re-education’ classes with an Islamic cleric. After four lessons, Hamed refused to return.
Hamed’s case was delayed due to Covid-19. He was eventually sentenced in April, and his appeal was rejected in June.
Before submitting himself to Karaj’s Central Prison on 27 July, Hamed recorded a short video explaining that he had been arrested for Christian activities. “I thank God for considering me worthy of enduring this persecution because of Him,” he shared.
Latest in string of arrests
Hamed’s case reflects the intense surveillance of Christians’ activities by the Iranian authorities, who see them as an attempt to undermine the Islamic rule in the country. Arrests of believers are sadly all too common. In June, three Christian men were heavily fined and given five-year prison sentences based on a recent amendment to the Iranian penal code.
Pray now…
- For the Lord to strengthen and encourage Hamed in prison, and ask that the Lord will use him mightily to reach out to other prisoners with Jesus’ love
- For Christian gatherings in Iran to be protected from raids and surveillance
- That the Lord will soften the hearts of local and national authorities in Iran towards Christians.
Act now…
1. Get a free World Watch List map and learn more about the places where faith costs the most.
2. Take on the Choose to Lose Challenge and get sponsored to give up something you love for a short time to raise money and prayer for those who have lost much because of their faith in Jesus. Sign up to get a free pack.
We support people who are beaten, tortured,
imprisoned, falsely accused, and hated simply for following Jesus.
