Posted on 3^rd March 2010

Greetings in the name of Jesus, Head of the Church

Iranian Christians have requested our prayers for a couple, both believers from a Muslim background, arrested on 28^th February and for their two teenage sons.

Approximately 20 police offices went to the home of Hamid and Reyhaneh in Isfahan. Reyhaneh was arrested immediately. Hamid was arrested when he returned home one hour later. Reyhaneh was physically assaulted when she resisted arrest. Other believers present at the time were threatened but not detained, though one was also assaulted when he protested. The police officers confiscated computers, telephones and literature, including many Bibles.

On 1^st March family members contacted the authorities and were told that their case will be referred to the Revolutionary Court once charges are finalised. They were told to make no further enquiries. Hamid and Reyhaneh’s current whereabouts are unknown.

Their two teenaged sons are being cared for by Reyhaneh's sister.

Hamid has regularly been summoned and questioned by the Information Ministry in recent years. The couple lead a house fellowship.

Iranian Christians supporting this family request our prayers that:

a.      Hamid and Reyhaneh will be released soon and reunited with their sons

b.      Hamid, Reyhaneh and their sons will know the presence and peace of Jesus

c.       Likewise for other Iranian believers currently detained for their faith

d.      Members of their house fellowship, together with all believers in Iran, will know the Spirit’s guiding wisdom at this time, and live without fear

e.      All officials involved will act justly, display mercy, and respond positively to the message of Jesus

May be circulated to general mailing lists and quoted from freely citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information.