Covenant Church

I write to share with you grievous news. Two of my sisters have been imprisoned. They have been arrested, handcuffed, and hauled away by some of the most brutal and harsh military officers in the world.

Their apartment has been ransacked. Some possessions confiscated.

They are presently in one of the world's worst prisons. No one is allowed to visit them except siblings---and only through a glass window once each week for minutes. They are allowed one minute of phone call each day.

Both are very ill, running high fevers. One feels that she will die soon if not given medical treatment. Recently one of these sisters said: "Jesus is worth living for, and Jesus is worth dying for!" Death may come soon without a miracle.

Their bail has been set at $400,000!

Their only crime is: They are Christians.

These two young women are less than 30 years old. The Revolutionary Guard of Iran arrested them for being "anti-government activists". They are considered enemies of the government.

The kindness of Jesus, love, and respect for the Bible is considered harmful to the interests of the Islamic government. The bail has been set ridiculously high to prevent their release.

The government is refusing to provide a judge to hear their case. There are no charges, only an arrest and detention in Evin prison.

To arrest two young women, not married, in such an action and to hold them in horrible conditions is an act of defiance in the international community.

Iran is part of the United Nations. Iran has agreed to religious freedom. Iran raises its voice in defiance of the world to press its agenda. Yet, Iran oppresses those not Muslims. Christians are a special target.

We have known for several weeks of this terrible tragedy. However, news has not been released in hopes that a quiet process could seek release. Negotiations have failed. A effort is underway to engage world leaders to intercede for the freedom of our sisters.

Have you helped to send a Bible to Iran? Have you helped to sponsor a prayer time for Iran? Have you helped to sponsor a missionary to Iran?

Think of these two precious young women as your very own sisters. Think of them as part of the Body of Christ. Think how God's heart is grieved. Think of their suffering.

About 2,000 years ago Jesus entered Jerusalem on what we call Palm Sunday. People waved palm branches. He rode on a donkey never before ridden on. There was celebration and jubilation as the people anticipated Jesus setting up His Kingdom.

Only days after Palm Sunday Jesus was crucified for our sins. His death opened warfare against hell as blood of the Son of God was shed on Calvary. It was not a new war, but in fulfillment of prophecy Jesus provided atonement for sin. Hell recoiled. Hell lost. Jesus won. He gave His life. He died. He arose.

Two thousand years later our sisters are suffering for the cause of the gospel. They need your help. You can help. Their pain is our pain. They have said they do not mind dying for Christ, but the work of the Lord is so great in Iran. The people of the Iran are so hungry for the gospel. Every Bible seems to be welcomed into eager hands of Iranians.

You can pray.

You can ask your friends to pray.

You can call your Congressman/Senator and ask them to intercede.

You can write President Obama and ask him to intercede for persecuted Christians...everywhere.

Go to prayforiran.com for details about our sisters.

We can not be silent. We must not fail to act. I beg you act today. Marziah and Maryam may both soon be with the Lord if we do not act. Further, if the Revolutionary Guard of Iran will treat so cruelly two young women and Christians do not care, what will they do to other Christians? What will other countries do if we are silent when our brothers and sisters are persecuted?

Please do something today...NOW!

Pastor Bare

I Peter 5:7

AN INVITATION