Posted on 7^th January 2013

Greetings in the name of Jesus, Prince of Peace

On 29^th December we requested further prayer for pastor Yousef. Recall that in mid-December he was ordered to report to prison, initially on a daily basis, but when he reported on Christmas Day he was detained.

We are pleased to report that he was released from Lakan prison earlier today (7^th January).

He has been ordered to report back to the prison in 30 days’ time in order to complete some documentation. Those supporting him understand that this order and the recent detention have been required in order to complete the 3-year sentence he received in September 2012. Recall that Yousef was released on bail having already served 2 years and 11 months.

We regret to report that two other members from the same church network, Behzad and Mohammed-Reza, were arrested in raids on their homes in Rasht on 31^st December. They are currently in a Ministry of Intelligence and Security detention facility and are expected to be transferred to Lakan prison shortly. Both face charges of action against national security, and Behzad is also charged with insulting Islamic sanctities. No trial date has yet been set. Behzad is single, whilst Mohammad-Reza has a wife and two daughters.

Iranian Christians supporting these believers request our continued prayers that:

a.      Yousef’s liberty will be maintained, and that he, his wife and their sons, will know the peace, presence and protection of Jesus each day

b.      They, together with those close to them, will know the Spirit’s guiding wisdom

c.       Behzad and Mohammed-Reza will know the presence and peace of Jesus, and be released soon, and that all charges against them will be dropped

d.      Mohammed-Reza’s wife and daughters will know the provision, presence and peace of Jesus each day

e.      All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.

May be circulated to general mailing lists, outside organizations, and quoted from freely in reports citing "Middle East Concern" as the source of the information.