That was an
interesting year, 2011, was it not? And what we will see happen in
2012 in the Arab World? God only knows.
But we, who work
in serving our Lord Jesus Christ in the Arab World are not troubled
too much: we will not be moved. Did our Lord ever promise that
serving him in mission would be easy?
The December issue
of SFM contains a variety of articles than may help you in your
ministry in the Muslim world; and if you are interested to share with
the wider world what you have learned in ministering to Muslim,
please feel free to submit your articles or ideas for articles to us
May our Lord
Christ bless you in the new year.
John Stringer
Let me know about new issues
PRAYER: Iran: update on house church Leader couple arrested on 28 February
Issued on 21st May, posted here 24th May
Greetings in the name of Jesus, Head of the Church
On 3rd March we first requested prayer for Hamid and Reyhaneh, both believers from a Muslim background, and their two teenage sons. Hamid and Reyhaneh were arrested in Isfahan on 28th February.
We are pleased to report that both have been released, Reyhaneh on Sunday 16th May and Hamid on Wednesday 19th May, following a large bail payment. They have been reunited with their sons and are reportedly in good physical health. Their release may be temporary as they expect to face a court hearing to answer charges. There is no indication of when the court hearing will take place.
Recall that the couple are leaders of a house fellowship and that Hamid has regularly been summoned and questioned by the Information Ministry in recent years. They were arrested during a raid on their home by approximately 20 police officers, during which personal possessions were confiscated and other believers present were threatened.
Others recently released on bail and also awaiting possible court proceedings include Vahik (Tehran), Daniel (Isfahan), Reza and Saeed (Tabriz), Maryam and Marzieh (Tehran). Among those still detained are Bahnam and Amin (Karaj).
Iranian Christians give thanks for the release of Hamid and Reyhaneh and thank us for our prayers. They request our continued intercession that:
a. Hamid, Reyhaneh and their sons will know the presence and healing touch of Jesus as they adjust to normal life
b. Those still detained will know the peace of Jesus each day and will be released soon
c. Charges against all those recently released on bail will be dropped
d. Iranian believers will know the Father's protection and the Spirit's wisdom, and be strengthened and not intimidated by recent events
e. All officials involved will act justly, love mercy, hear the gospel of Jesus and respond to his love
Open source used: FCNN
May be circulated to general mailing lists and quoted from freely citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information.
