Posted on 7^th January 2010

Greetings in the name of Jesus

On Monday we requested prayer for a believer from a Muslim background (BMB) arrested in Mashhad on 16^th December. Recall that three security officers entered her home with an arrest warrant from the Revolutionary Court of Mashhad. After searching her home and confiscating personal belongings including books and CDs, they took her away to an unknown location.

We regret to report that she was taken to a hastily convened court hearing after being forced to sign a confession stating that she was mentally unstable. The court ordered that she be subject to house arrest for three months and that custody of her 10 year old daughter be taken from her and her husband. Although entitled to legal representation under Iranian law, she was denied access to a lawyer.

Our sister has been released and is at home with her husband and their daughter. The authorities have not yet implemented the custody order due to the daughter’s ill health, but have warned the couple that she will be taken from them if they speak about their choice to follow Jesus.

In August and September we requested prayer following a wave of arrests of BMBs in Amameh and Rasht in summer 2009. We are pleased to report that one brother who remained detained has now been released.

Iranian Christians give thanks for the release of one brother. Those supporting our sister and her family request our prayers that:

a. This family will know the Lord's comfort and peace, and that their daughter will experience His healing power

b. The court order will be overturned

c. Christians in Iran will be protected from fear and will grow in their faith

d. All officials involved will act justly, and respond to the love and truth of Jesus

May be circulatedand quoted from freely citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information.