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 denomination with an...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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...
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 be an...
Turkey: Prayer reminder for upcoming hearing
Please pray for the upcoming hearing on 18 July for American pastor Andrew Brunson in Turkey. Andrew faces charges related to terrorism and espionage that could result in a 35-year prison sentence. This is the third hearing, following hearings on 16 April and 7 May....
Iran: Mohammadali Yassaghi freed from detention
Friends of Mohammadali Yassaghi (Estifan) praise the Lord for his release from Babol Prison in Mazandaran Province, North Iran. On 1 June MEC requested prayer for Mohammadali, a member of the 'Church of Iran', praying that he would be soon freed and able to rejoin his...
Algeria: Another Church Re-opens
Algerian Christians rejoice in the re-opening of a church in El Ayaida (35km east of Oran) which had been closed in January 2018. However, there is still need for prayer in the face of continued government pressure, with several churches remaining closed. The church...
Iran:court hearing for pastor’s son
Iranian Christians request prayer following a court hearing on 18 June at Branch 26 of the Revolutionary Court in Tehran. Ramiel Bet Tamraz, an Assyrian Christian, and another man, a Christian convert, who has asked for his name to be withheld, were both charged with...