In early September, we broke the news of the arrest of three convert Christians at a prayer meeting in Rasht, Iran. We have now received information from our project partner, Middle East Concern, that the family of one of the three arrested, Ayob, does not yet know where he is or how he is doing.
Ayob was arrested by intelligence agents in the Iranian city of Rasht on the evening of September 5, along with fellow Christian converts Morteza Mashhoudkari and Ahmad Sarparast. They were detained and interrogated by intelligence agents at the intelligence offices in Rasht. From there, Ayob was able to contact his family. The prosecutor refused to allow them bail and Morteza and Ahmad were transferred to Lakan prison in Rasht on September 18.
Ayoub's family was informed by Iranian intelligence that Ayoub had also been transferred to Lakan prison. But Morteza and Ahmad tell their families in phone calls that he is not there. Ayoub's family and friends are concerned for his health and well-being.
Iranian Christians ask for our prayers that:
- Ayoub's current situation must be known soon and that his family can no longer worry about the confusion and lack of reliable information.
- God will encourage and strengthen Ayoub, Morteza and Ahmad and give them peace during their time in prison.
- Participating in Christian activities and meeting other Christians should not be considered a crime in Iran.
- Iran will stop persecuting Christian converts and other religious communities.
