Source: www.csw.org.uk
Date: February 11, 2023
Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things. (Philippians 4:8)
When we’re going through hard times personally, or when we’re aware of the difficult situations happening around the world, it can be hard to think of anything else. Yet Philippians 4:8 encourages us to lift our gaze – to look upon the good things God has made and remember that the God of peace is still with us.
Our hearts are with the people of Syria and Turkey, following the devastating earthquakes. Pray for all who lost their loved ones, their homes and their livelihoods, and for refugees and religious minorities, who may be especially vulnerable at this time.
This week we are also remembering the religious minorities of Iran who face ongoing harassment from the government.
Iranian Christians arrested, including Pastor Matthias Haghnejad
Pastor Matthias Haghnejad has suffered years of harassment by the Iranian authorities, clearly due to his leadership role in a house church.
Most recently, the pastor was re-arrested on 26 December while on a period of furlough from prison. Two other Christians were arrested alongside him: Amir Roshandal and Massoud Veis-Khani.
Eight days later, Pastor Haghnejad’s wife was also arrested. Anahita Khademi spent over three weeks in prison before being released on 28 January, on a bail of approximately USD 4,000. She also faces unfounded charges of ‘propaganda against the system’ and ‘disturbing public opinion’.
What are the charges against Pastor Haghnejad?
Pastor Haghnejad has just been granted a one-month furlough from prison. He still faces charges relating to national security, which carry a six-year sentence. The pastor had previously been acquitted of these same charges in 2014, but they were reinstated in January 2022 – shortly after Pastor Haghnejad was acquitted of other false charges, for which he spent nearly three years in prison.
Spurious national security-related charges such as those Pastor Haghnejad faces are often used against religious minorities, especially converts from Islam.
Please pray:
- For an end to the relentless harassment of Pastor Haghnejad, and that he would be released from prison once and for all.
- That the unjust charges against Anahita Khademi would be dismissed immediately and without pre-condition.
- For the unconditional release of Amir Roshandal, Massoud Veis-Khani and all others imprisoned on account of their religion or belief.
- Pray for Syria and Turkey
Pray for Syria and Turkey
The death toll in the earthquakes now exceeds, 21,000, and is set to rise further since the 72 hr ‘Window of Survival’ has expired. Meanwhile, eyewitnesses confirm that the Turkish government has been hindering international aid from crossing into north-western Syria. Pray that aid would be distributed impartially to all who are in need, in both Syria and Turkey.
Around 300,000 people are homeless. Our sources also said most Christian families in Antioch in Hatay province are displaced. Please pray for urgent provision and safe places of refuge to reach all those affected.
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. (Psalm 46:1)