Turkey: Andrew Brunson Released
Christians in Turkey are rejoicing at the release of Andrew Brunson from prison and the lifting of travel restrictions to allow his return to the United States. On 12 October Andrew attended the fourth hearing at a court in Aliaga, Izmir, in a trial in which he was... read more
Algeria: Four Christians face proselytism charges
Algerian Christians request prayer for four Christians, including three from the same family, who will appear in court on 6 November in Province of Bouira, in the Kabylie region. These Christians are accused of “inciting a Muslim to change his religion” (a... read more
Turkey: Upcoming hearing for Andrew Brunson
Friends of Andrew Brunson request prayer for the upcoming court hearing on 12 October when Andrew will answer charges related to espionage. Andrew faces charges related to terrorism as well as espionage that could result in a 35-year prison sentence.The indictment is... read more
Iran: Two Christian converts receive prison sentences
Iranian Christians request prayer for Saheb Fadaei and Fatimeh Bakhteri, who have received prison sentences of 18 and 12 months respectively for “spreading propaganda against the regime.” Saheb and Fatimeh are members of the “Church of Iran” – a... read more
Palestine: Update on court cases regarding nuns of St Mary’s, Bethlehem
On 10 September we issued a prayer request for the two nuns in St Mary’s Coptic Church and Convent in Bethlehem as they faced three separate court cases. The court cases relate to attacks on 30 April 2017, when one member of a family illegally occupying convent... read more
Palestine: Upcoming court hearings for St Mary’s Coptic Church
Christians in the West Bank request renewed prayer for nuns of the Coptic Orthodox church and convent in Bethlehem, asking for a just conclusion to three separate legal cases. The next hearing is scheduled for 13 September. The court cases relate to attacks on 30... read more
Turkey: House arrest for Andrew Brunson
Andrew Brunson has been released from prison due to health concerns and is now under house arrest. On 25 July the 2nd Criminal Court of Izmir ruled that Andrew could be released from prison and be kept under house arrest, as requested by Andrew and his lawyer. At a... read more
Iran: Further arrests in Rasht
Friends of Yasser Mossayebzadeh, Mohammadreza Omidi and Saheb Fadaie request prayer following the arrest of Mohammadreza and Saheb at their homes yesterday evening (24 July) and of Yasser today (25 July). This follows the arrest of their pastor, Yousef Nadarkhani on... read more
Iran: church leader arrested with unnecessary force
Friends of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani request prayer following his violent arrest on 22 July. About ten Iranian police officers were involved, using unnecessary force on Yousef and his son, despite their offering no resistance. On 6 July, 2017, Yousef Nadarkhani, along... read more
Turkey: Judge refuses to release Andrew Brunson
Today (18 July) there was a court hearing for American pastor Andrew Brunson in Turkey. This was the third hearing, following hearings on 16 April and 7 May. Despite hopes for Andrew’s release, the judge ordered that he remain imprisoned as the trial process... read more
Iran: Pastor’s son receives verdict
Ramiel Bet Tamraz and a friend have each been sentenced to four months’ imprisonment for “acting against national security” by joining house churches. Judge Ahmadzadeh oversaw the hearing on 18 June and delivered the verdict on 11 July. There is likely to... read more