Iran: 70 Christians Arrested in Crackdown against Apostasy

It is illegal in Iran to share Christianity with Muslims or preach the gospel in Farsi, the indigenous language of Iran. It is also illegal for a Muslim to reject Islam (apostasy). Therefore, Farsi-speaking, Iranian Muslim converts to Christianity must worship in illegal "underground" fellowships.

In a massive crackdown that began on Christmas Day, authorities arrested about 70 Farsi-speaking believers. Most are young converts from Islam. They are being interrogated and coerced. The arrests follow the denial of an appeal for a Muslim convert sentenced to death for leaving Islam.

Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's death sentence is only being delayed to give intelligence agents more time to convince him to renounce Christ and return to Islam. His wife has been sentenced to life imprisonment. They have two small children.

Source: Assist News Service

Ask God to protect the believers in Iran and that the attempted repression of the spread of Christianity by the Iranian regime would prove futile. Pray that those in leadership would be delivered from the powers of darkness and come to trust in Christ.

"The humble also shall increase their joy in the LORD, and the poor among men shall rejoice in the Holy One of Israel. For the terrible one is brought to nothing, the scornful one is consumed, and all who watch for iniquity are cut off-who make a man an offender by a word, and lay a snare for him who reproves in the gate, and turn aside the just by empty words." Isaiah 29:19-21

The Voice of the Martyrs assists Christians in Iran by providing Farsi Bibles and by supporting Christian satellite broadcasts. – January. 2011

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer

2011 Prayer Map for Restricted Nations and Hostile Areas

Areas where Christian persecution merits the attention and assistance of The Voice of the Martyrs has been identified and defined in two categories:

Restricted Nation and Hostile Area.

Restricted Nation -

This includes countries where government policy or practice prevents Christians from obtaining Bibles or other Christian literature. Also included are countries with government-sanctioned circumstances or anti-Christian laws that lead to Christians being harassed, imprisoned, killed or deprived of possessions or liberties because of their witness.

Hostile Area -

This includes large areas in nations where governments consistently attempt to provide protection for the Christian population, but Christians are victims of violence because of their witness.

For more information about countries where Christian persecution exists, please visit www.persecution.com.

Please remember to pray for the salvation of leaders and radicals in countries where the persecution of Christians is common. Pray also for the Christians in these areas, who face hardships and dangers simply because they profess faith in Jesus Christ.

"Remember the prisoners as if chained with them--those who are mistreated--since you yourselves are in the body also." Hebrews 13:3

A prayer map is included in each January issue of the VOM newsletter to raise awareness of areas in the world where Christians are suffering for their faith. You can order additional copies of the VOM prayer map or request the 2011 Persecuted Church Global Report by calling (800) 747-0085. You can also order online at www.persecution.com. - January, 2011

A Voice of the Martyrs Volunteer