Iranian Christian Women In Prison Due To Their Faith

While I remain skeptical of Iran's 'justice' system, there is some wonderful news I'd like to share with all my Christian and non-Christian friends.

Dear Friends,

There has been a new and more promising development in the case of Maryam Rostampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30). On the morning of October 7th, 2009 they were unexpectedly taken to appear before the court to face three charges:

• 1) Anti-state activities.
• 2) Propagation of the Christian faith.
• 3) Apostasy.

There was a new judge presiding, and unlike the previous judges, he was sympathetic. He acquitted Maryam and Marzieh of the charge of anti-state activities, which rarely happens. This is a great relief for the two women and their lawyer was very pleased.

They allowed their lawyers to be present? Praise God!

As a result, their case will now be transferred from the revolutionary court to the general court that will now consider the other two charges.

They maintain they will not deny their faith.

October 5th marked seven months that Maryam and Marzieh have been imprisoned in Tehran, Iran for their Christian faith. In the face of harsh prison conditions, constant interrogations, court proceedings, and severe pressure to recant their faith they have remained faithful to Christ.

They maintain that they will not deny their faith.

In an interview with the Voice of America Persian News Network, their lawyer said: "My clients are not prepared to lie about their faith under any condition."

Their health.

Both Maryam and Marzieh continue to be frail with ill health. On Sunday the 4th October, Maryam had severe food poisoning and after much insistence finally the prison authorities relented and gave her medical attention.

The impact of their story.

Maryam and Marzieh's story has spread across the Christian world. Their faithfulness to Christ has encouraged countless believers and strengthened their faith. In Iran, many Christians have resolved to be faithful to Christ and have become more courageous in following Jesus.

Maryam and Marzieh are aware that their world Christian family is praying for them. They are very encouraged that they are not voiceless and have not been forgotten. They say: "Thank you for praying for us. We are humbled and strengthened by your prayers and we are determined to remain faithful to Jesus even unto death."

Thank you again for all your support and prayers.

Dan and Carmen Hale
Area Representatives for Iran

Advancing Native Missions
P. O. Box 5303
Charlottesville, VA 22905
(540) 456-7111
www.adnamis.org.

Remember their chains - Colossians 4:18.

Please be a prayer partner with me for our brouthers and sisters especially in Iran. There are over one million - 1,000,000 - Christians in Iran living in danger just for being Christians. You think you have it hard? Every Christian in Iran faces death by law. When we look at it in the full context of reality, we are so blessed.

Dear God, I pray for Your forgiveness for my complaining I want this or that. I already have so much. You have been so wonderful and faithful to me, and I thank You for everything You have done in my life. This humbles me, Lord. Please, move the judges heart to set Maryam Rostampoor and Marzieh Amirizadeh free from prison with no more threats to their lives. In Jesus' precious name I pray. Amen.

May you walk with the LORD always, and when you cannot take another step, may He carry you the rest of the way until you can walk along side Him again.

Cross-posted @ TCU and SGP. Digg!