[__ Prayer __] persecuted church

[totallylovedbygod65]

"While the government's powerful
backhoes can destroy church buildings,
they can never destroy the faith in the
hearts and souls of believers."
~ Bob Fu, Founder of ChinaAid​

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IRAN: Imprisoned Christian Beaten for Medical Request​

Sources: Article18, Christian Post​

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Amir-Ali Minaei
Photo: Article 18
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Amir-Ali Minaei has been held in Tehran's Evin Prison since April 2024. The Christian man is presently serving a 43-month term for "propaganda activities against the regime through establishing a house church."
During the period of time between his arrest and sentencing, Amir-Ali was diagnosed with a heart condition which was believed to be brought on by stress. In recent months, the imprisoned believer's condition has reportedly worsened. He has repeatedly asked to meet with a cardiologist for medical treatment, but all of his requests have been rejected.
After his most recent request in early March, Amir-Ali was physically assaulted by a prison official. During the attack, the believer was struck in the chest, which further aggravated his heart condition. Despite the beating, Amir-Ali remains without medical treatment, leading to concerns that his health may continue to deteriorate.
Christians in Iran who meet together for prayer and worship are subjected to frequent harassment and arrests. While church gatherings are permitted for Armenian and Assyrian minorities, they are off-limits for most of the population. Previously published reports concerning the persecution of Christians in Iran are available at our country profile.​

• On behalf of Amir-Ali, please pray for greatly needed physical strength and healing.
• Also ask our Heavenly Father to soften the hearts of the prison officials so that this detained brother in Christ can receive necessary medical treatment.
• May the many Christians throughout Iran who are currently being imprisoned or threatened because of their faith in Christ receive wisdom, peace and courage.
• Prayerfully remember the ongoing efforts of Christian ministries throughout this Persian nation that are reaching out with the Gospel message via radio and satellite television broadcasts.

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PAKISTAN: Christian Man Assaulted and Humiliated​

Sources: British Asian Christian Association, Pakistan Christian Post​

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Photo: Wikimedia / Tahsin Shah (cc)
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On February 27th, an impoverished Christian man named Wasif Masih was collecting wood along the road when he was confronted by a group of six Muslim landowners. The men verbally abused the believer, referring to him as "chuhra" – a term frequently used in Pakistan to insult Christians. The perpetrators then physically beat Wasif and detained him for four hours on a poultry farm.
During the incident, the Muslim men forcibly shaved Wasif's head, along with one eyebrow and part of his moustache. The believer's face was also smeared with a black substance before he was paraded through the village streets on a donkey. When the procession reached the home of Muhammad Mushtaq, the father of one of the perpetrators, he immediately rebuked the culprits for their abusive treatment of Wasif, calling their actions "evil acts." When others began to arrive, the abusers released the injured Christian man and fled the area.
The men responsible for the incident are well known within the community for their violent actions. Two of them have since been arrested (including the son of Muhammad Mushtaq). Thus far, three others – Muhammad Junaid, Naeem and Teeter ul Haq – secured pre-arrest bail from the court. Wasif and his family are determined to seek justice for the assailants' acts of violence and humiliation. To review other reports addressing the suffering inflicted on Christians in Pakistan, go to our country profile.​

• As Wasif recovers both physically and emotionally from this ordeal, pray that he will tangibly sense the assurance of our Heavenly Father's loving care.
• Additionally, may this dear brother in Christ receive peace and comfort, as well the ability to rejoice, knowing that he's sharing in his Saviour's sufferings (1 Peter 4:13).
• Pray that all the perpetrators who are responsible for committing these abusive incidents will be held accountable for their actions, so that justice will prevail.

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