SPECIAL UPDATE
"He was there..."
Maryam and Marzieh inspired the global Church through thir stand for Christ in Iran. Arrested on March 5, 2009 because of their faith, they were in prison for 259 days. Despite being put under great pressure to recant their faith in Jesus, they stood firm and were finally released from prison on November 18, 2009. But they are quick to deflect any praise for their faithfulness. Sharing recently with friends they said,
“We didn’t feel it was us, it was the Lord’s intense love for us that kept us going. We felt like He was our lover all the time. There were some very special moments when the Lord was particularly close to us, like when we were very sick. We weren’t allowed to have the Bible with us, but we felt He was there...”
During this Christmas season we honor Maryamand Marzieh. But we worship God the Father who loved us so much that He came to be with us.
Maryam and Marzieh said they were “bewildered and then overjoyed” when they learned they were to be released. They again wish to thank believers for interceding for them and would be grateful for continued prayer. “Our freedom is conditional and we have to wait for a court hearing. It’s wonderful that we are out, but the feeling that we might have to go back in hangs over us. Please pray for us.”
November 18, 2009
RELEASE ! Maryam and Marzieh set free after 259 days in prison
Praise the Lord ! Maryam Rustampor and Marzieh Amirizadeh were released from Evin prison in Iran today, Wednesday November 18,2009 at 3:30 PM, without bail. However, they may yet have to face a court hearing and still need our prayers.
" Words are not enough to express our gratitude to the Lord and to His people who have prayed and worked for our released," they said.
Maryam and Marzieh were arrested because of their Christian faith on March 5, 2009. Though their health has suffered greatly while in prision, they are doing as well as could be expected, and are rejoicing in the Lord's faithfulness to them.
" Maryam and Marzieh have greatly inspired us all. Their love for the Lord Jesus nad their faithfulness to God has been an amazing testimony," says Sam Yeghnazar, Director of Elam Ministries.
We hope to share more details soon.
In the mean time, please pray:
- For their health to be fully restored.
- For their continued safety.
- For their full acquittal.
Follow Maryam and Marzieh's story from the beginning by looking at previous articles.
What is Prayforiran.org?
Prayforiran.com is a website dedicated to encouraging prayer for the nation and people of Iran. As well as highlighting special prayer needs, the site provides 40 subjects for prayer to help you and your church pray intelligently for Iran. Simply click on one of the 40 links to take you to a page which will help you learn about the subject and guide you in praying. Each page has a slide show with images from Iran accompanied by some Persian worship music to help you intercede.
This site was launched by Elam Ministries in May 2006 when over 120 Iranian church leaders pledged to 40 days of prayer and fasting for Iran. They also issued a call to the global Church to join in praying for the strategic country of Iran. Many thousands across the world responded and joined in praying for Iran, and the site became available in nine languages.
Why Pray And Fast For Iran?
Iran has long played a leading role in the Islamic world. These days it is at the centre of a global crisis that could easily lead to war, deep political turmoil and economic chaos. We need to fall on our knees and pray that God, in His mercy, will intervene.
Also, the rapidly growing Iranian church is on the brink of unprecedented growth. Despite the prospect of persecution, men and women, young and old are putting their faith in Jesus Christ – many as a result of dreams and visions. We need to thank God for the open hearts and we want to cry out for a great revival. A strong church in Iran will impact the entire region.
What Are We Praying For?
For the persecuted Church in Iran – The Church has experienced severe persecution and restrictions since the 1979 revolution. In the last year, this intimidation of Christians has intensified. We pray for protection, wisdom and boldness for our brothers and sisters in Iran.
For Revival in Iran – Most of Iran’s 70 million people have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel. We pray that every Iranian will hear and understand the Gospel and that millions will repent and be saved.
For God to intervene in the political situation – We pray that God will give Iran righteous and humble leaders who will act justly and love mercy.
How To Pray
We encourage you to pray with faith and love for the people of Iran, not with fear and prejudice. Let the Lord show you how much he loves and cares for the people of Iran, just as he loved and cared for the people of Nineveh as in the story of Jonah. Secondly, please focus your prayers on the people of Iran – that they would come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Don’t concentrate only on the political situation.
Finally, please let as many others know about this website as you can. Thank you so much for praying for Iran. To God be the Glory.