totallylovedbygod65
Member
- Mar 12, 2024
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"Not all of us are called to die
a martyr's death, but all of us
are called to have the same spirit
of self-sacrifice and love to the
very end as these martyrs had."
~ Rev. Richard Wurmbrand
a martyr's death, but all of us
are called to have the same spirit
of self-sacrifice and love to the
very end as these martyrs had."
~ Rev. Richard Wurmbrand
IRAN: Three Christians Facing Lengthy Prison Sentences
Source: Article18
Three Christian converts, including a woman who is pregnant with her first child, have been sentenced to lengthy prison sentences on charges relating to their religious beliefs and worship meetings. The Iranian believers were sentenced by Judge Iman Afshari at a Revolutionary Court on March 8th.
Narges Nasri is 37 years old and halfway through her first pregnancy. She received the stiffest sentence among those of the three accused Christians: ten years for "propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law," five years for membership in an "opposition group," and an additional year for "propaganda against the state." The charges allegedly stem from a social media post that Narges had made.
Abbas Soori likewise received a sentence of ten years for "propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law" and an additional five years for membership in an "opposition group." Abbas had been previously accused of distributing propaganda in 2022. As a result of these former charges, rather than being sentenced to prison, the believer received ten years of "deprivation of social rights," which carries numerous restrictions relating to areas such as employment, health care and education. (For more information on this previous incident, go to this report.) The third Christian sentenced on March 8th was Mehran Shamloui who received a term of eight years for spreading propaganda and 30 months for membership in an "opposition group."
Narges Nasri is 37 years old and halfway through her first pregnancy. She received the stiffest sentence among those of the three accused Christians: ten years for "propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law," five years for membership in an "opposition group," and an additional year for "propaganda against the state." The charges allegedly stem from a social media post that Narges had made.
Abbas Soori likewise received a sentence of ten years for "propaganda activities contrary to Islamic law" and an additional five years for membership in an "opposition group." Abbas had been previously accused of distributing propaganda in 2022. As a result of these former charges, rather than being sentenced to prison, the believer received ten years of "deprivation of social rights," which carries numerous restrictions relating to areas such as employment, health care and education. (For more information on this previous incident, go to this report.) The third Christian sentenced on March 8th was Mehran Shamloui who received a term of eight years for spreading propaganda and 30 months for membership in an "opposition group."
All three followers of Jesus were arrested during concurrent raids on their homes in Tehran on November 3rd. At least ten other Christians were arrested on the same day through coordinated raids across the country. For additional reports on the persecution experienced by our Christian brothers and sisters in Iran, go to our country profile.
- Remember these three believers in your prayers, along with the many other Iranian Christians who are presently being detained because of their faith in Christ, asking that all charges against them will be dropped.
- Pray that our imprisoned Christian brothers and sisters in Iran would rest in the assurance that Christ's presence is abiding with them. As a result, may they experience His sustaining peace, comfort and encouragement.
- Prayerfully ask God to also provide greatly needed comfort to these detained believers' families, friends and fellow church members.
INDIA: Large Mob Attack at Pastors' Gathering
Sources: VOM Australia, VOM Contacts
On February 19th, a group of pastors had gathered in Kusumba Village, a town located in the Jalgaon District of Maharashtra, India. As the meeting was taking place, a mob of approximately 400 Hindu nationalists suddenly attacked, brutally assaulting many of the pastors. As a result of the violence, two of the church leaders were left in critical condition.
In addition to the physical assaults, the Hindu militants destroyed various furniture items belonging to the Christians, along with six motorcycles. Shortly thereafter, police arrived at the scene and managed to bring the situation under control. Despite having committed the violence, the attackers were all allowed to leave, while 28 pastors were detained for questioning before being released that evening. According to local reports, the violent incident has deeply affected all of the Christians in the community.
In India, mob attacks against Christians are common, particularly by those determined to make the country a Hindu nation. For more details on the violent opposition inflicted against followers of Jesus in this South Asian country, go to our country report.
In addition to the physical assaults, the Hindu militants destroyed various furniture items belonging to the Christians, along with six motorcycles. Shortly thereafter, police arrived at the scene and managed to bring the situation under control. Despite having committed the violence, the attackers were all allowed to leave, while 28 pastors were detained for questioning before being released that evening. According to local reports, the violent incident has deeply affected all of the Christians in the community.
In India, mob attacks against Christians are common, particularly by those determined to make the country a Hindu nation. For more details on the violent opposition inflicted against followers of Jesus in this South Asian country, go to our country report.
- Pray for the complete physical and emotional healing of all those who were injured in this most recently occurring assault.
- May the Lord also minister needed peace and courage to their families, as well as others in the surrounding Christian community who were indirectly affected by the incident.
- Pray that such acts of violence would not be overlooked by the authorities. Instead, may necessary measures be taken to ensure all perpetrators are held accountable.
- Despite the strong opposition against our Christian family in India, may the ongoing ministry of the Gospel continue to shine the light of God's eternal salvation and hope throughout the nation.
