Prayer is requested concerning the Iranian government's campaign of intimidation against Christians and Churches.

We regret to report that one church has been forced to close. On Tuesday 5th June the Assemblies of God church in Tehran's Janat-Abad suburb was told to cease all activities, and threatened with the confiscation of its building.

Recall that in early May leaders of another Assemblies of God church in Tehran were ordered by the Ministry of Intelligence to submit the names and ID numbers of all members. Church leaders provided a list of names and ID numbers of church members who had given their consent, some of whom have subsequently been pressurised by the authorities.

Recall also that, since early February, two other legally recognised churches in Tehran have been ordered to stop holding Farsi-language services on Fridays, and that several members of Anglican, Presbyterian and Assemblies of God Churches have been arrested. Two of these are among at least 20 believers (most from Muslim backgrounds) who are known still to be detained.

Iranian Christians supporting these believers thank us for our prayers. They request our continued intercession asking that:
a.    The closure order will be reversed and other restrictions on churches lifted.
b.    All Christians in Iran will know the protection of the Father, comfort of the Son and the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
c.    They will be able to meet for worship, prayer, Bible study and fellowship with like-minded believers.
d.    Those believers currently detained will know the presence and peace of Jesus and be released soon.
e.    Church and fellowship group leaders will know the Spirit’s discernment and wisdom
f.    All officials involved will love mercy, act justly, learn about Jesus and choose to follow Him.