Part of Our Family
Editor's note by Pastor Bare: Covenant Church has been closely associated with Elam Ministries for about 20 years. Elam prepares missionaries, produces literature, and translates the Bible and other Christian works in an effort to reach approximately 80 million Iranians for Christ. While the government of Iran is very anti-American and anti-Christian, the people of Iran are friendly to Americans and open to the Gospel of Jesus.
Reverend Sam Yegnazzar and his family lead a powerful team that has outreaches in England and other countries. For political reasons and the safety of participants certain sites for training are kept low profile.
Two young women in Iran were arrested and put in prison without charges. Their Christian testimony has brought them to a crisis moment. If found guilty of "apostasy" they could be sentenced to death. However, the law of Iran does not allow a virgin to be executed. The court in the event of a death sentence could force a legal marriage to have the women raped for a day before being executed by de-capitation, which has been done before.
For those who speak of Islam as a peaceful religion, I fear they have not encountered Islam as it is practiced nor read the Book for those who are Islam's disciples. My larger concern is that if Americans retreat from the mission field in these times of crisis we will abandon millions of our brothers and sisters in distant countries.
The following story is a matter for urgent prayer. You may sign up and follow this story through support@prayerforiran.com. The report was released by Elam Ministries.
News Release
In a dramatic session before the revolutionary court yesterday (Sunday August 9) in Tehran, Maryam Rustampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) were told to recant their faith in Christ. Though great pressure was put on them, both women declared that they would not deny their faith. Maryam and Marzieh were originally arrested on March 5, 2009 and have suffered greatly while in prison, suffering ill health, solitary confinement and interrogations for many hours while blindfolded.
On Saturday August 8, Maryam and Marzieh were summoned to appear in court on Sunday August 9 in order to hear a verdict on their case. The chief interrogator had recommended a verdict of "apostasy." However, when they arrived, no verdict was actually given. Instead, the court session focused on the deputy prosecutor Mr. Haddad questioning Maryam and Marzieh about their faith and telling them that they had to recant in both verbal and written form. This made it clear that in the eyes of the court Maryam and Marzieh's only crime is that they have converted to Christianity.
Mr. Haddad, asked the two women if they were Christians.
"We love Jesus," they replied.
He repeated his question and they said, "Yes, we are Christians."
Mr. Haddad said, "You were Muslims and now you have become Christians." (Conversion from Islam to any other religion can be punished by death if not recanted).
"We were born in Muslim families, but we were not Muslims," was their reply.
Mr. Haddad's questioning continued and he asked them if they regretted becoming Christians, to which they replied, "We have no regrets."
Then he stated emphatically, "You should renounce your faith verbally and in written form."
They stood firm and replied, "We will not deny our faith."
During one tense moment in the questioning, Maryam and Marzieh made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the Holy Spirit.
Mr. Haddad replied, "It is impossible for God to speak with humans."
Marzieh asked him in return, "Are you questioning whether God is Almighty?"
Mr. Haddad then replied, "You are not worthy for God to speak to you."
Marzieh said, "It is God, and not you, who determines if I am worthy."
Mr. Haddad told the women to return to prison and think about the options they were given and come back to him when they are ready (to comply).
Maryam and Marzieh said, "We have already done our thinking."
At the end of the session, Mr. Haddad told them that a judge will give them his verdict, though it is not clear who will be the judge in their case now. He also allowed Maryam and Marzieh to have a lawyer represent them in the case for the first time since their arrest.
Both women are back in Evin prison (Revolutionary Guard prison-one of worst in the world). During their five-month ordeal, both have had health issues and lost weight. Marzieh is in pain due to an on-going problem with her spine, as well as an infected tooth and intense headaches. She desperately needs medical attention. Two months ago the prison officials told her the prison had proper medical equipment and that they will attend to her, but so far no proper treatment has been given.
Despite the concentrated effort of officials to pressure them into recanting their faith, Maryam and Marzieh love Jesus and are determined to stand firm to the very end no matter whatever happens. They have demonstrated their love for Jesus and would offer their lives for Him if they were called to do so. After today's court session they said, "If we come out of prison we want to do so with honor."
Maryam and Marzieh's case is a clear and harsh violation of human rights and religious liberty by Iran's authorities. These young Christian women deserve the support of all those who respect human rights. They should be released without charges to freedom and to live their faith.
Thank you for praying.
Pastor Bare
2 Timothy 1:12a "For I know whom I have believed and am persuaded that He is able to keep what I have committed to Him until that Day."