Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: January 22, 2022
Praise the Lord, my soul; all my inmost being, praise his holy name. (Psalm 103:1)
We always have a reason to praise God; for his love, his grace, his provision, his faithfulness… Whether we’re giving thanks for the temporary release of prisoners in Egypt and Iran after extended periods in prison, or praying through the disappointing developments in Pastor Haghnejad’s case, we always have a reason to praise God.
Christians released in Iran
Before Christmas we asked you to pray for the release of nine Iranian Christians, including Pastor Matthias Haghnejad, after the Supreme Court announced that their five-year sentences would be reviewed.
Today we give thanks that eight of them were released on 1 January.
However, they are still waiting for their sentences to be reviewed, so please keep praying for the unfounded national security charges against them to be dropped. These men have committed no crime.
Although Pastor Haghnejad was released on 30 December, he was rearrested on 15 January after a different Supreme Court judge called into question his previous acquittal in 2014.
Coptic activist released in Egypt
We also give thanks for the release of Rami Kamil, a Coptic Christian and human rights activist who had been held in pre-trial detention since November 2019.
Rami is still awaiting trial on terrorism charges, but it is widely believed that he was targeted for his human rights work.
In summary, please pray:
- Thanking God that eight Iranian Christians were released from prison, pending a review of their sentences.
- For the release of Pastor Haghnejad, as well as for strength and encouragement after this fresh disappointment.
- Giving thanks for the release of Rami Kamil from pre-trial detention, and that he appears to be well and in good spirits.
- Pray that the unfounded charges against all these men will be dropped without condition.