Iranian Christians pray for the intercession of a Christian family after a raid on their home in Mashhad, northeastern Iran.
On December 6, 2018, intelligence officers raided the home of Amir Taleipour, 39, and his wife Mahnaz Haratis, 36. The couple were then arrested in front of their 7-year-old daughter.
The couple have been in custody since their arrest. They have not been able to contact family members or have access to a lawyer. Their daughter is being looked after by family members, says Danish European Mission's partner, Middle East Concern.
Christian leaders estimate that an increase in the number of arrests of Christians in Iran can be expected around Christmas, but also say that the situation has worsened in 2018 compared to previous years.
Scare campaign in the run up to Christmas
Commenting on the current situation, an editorial notes that the Christmas season is a time when many Iranians are attracted to Christianity and that the state tries to quell this quest through intimidation campaigns. He also noted that the various branches of the security forces are vying for recognition and funds by demonstrating how effective they are at arresting Christians.
- Pray that God will comfort and strengthen Amir and Mahnaz to persevere in their faith and testimony of Christ.
- Pray that the couple will be able to contact the family and have access to a lawyer and be released soon.
- That the daughter must be kept free from worry
- and that Christians in Iran must be vigilant and not be offended by the state security services.
At a time when the clerical regime in Iran is trying to scare people away from seeking answers in the Christian faith, you can ensure that even more people in the country can read the New Testament - about what Jesus did for them on the cross and experience God's love.
It costs DKK 40 to ensure that a copy of the New Testament is smuggled into Iran or neighboring countries where Iranians also live.
You can stand with the persecuted but brave Christians and hand them New Testaments - to give to people who long to read about God's love.
