This morning even before I read this latest news from VOM Media I was wondering what would happen if some government official came to my church and demanded that the worshippers deny Christ or get killed. I honestly wonder who would stand and who would fold...because I believe some will fold. Well, this morning VOM Media shares with us the lastest from Iran and how the Christians there are STANDING firm. Read on...
The Iranian government attempts to force Christians to deny Christ through threats, interrogations and beatings. Believers are standing steadfast and continue spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ. Reportedly, Iranian officials treated British sailors, held in Iran for more than a week, very well. Government officials have not been nearly as cordial to their own citizens who follow Jesus Christ.
The Voice of the Martyrs recently received information from an Iranian source that on November 1, 2006, while “Azedeh,” was returning from witnessing to a family that received Christ, she was abducted and driven away in a government car.“Azedeh was threatened, interrogated and forced to deny Christ. She refused and was eventually released. As Azedeh and her sister continued evangelizing, the government randomly summoned them once or twice a month for interrogations and threats.
Many times the government demanded the sisters deny Christ, or turn in other Christians, but the sisters refused,” VOM sources said.' When the sisters were not being watched by the government their neighbors reported their activities to the police. They were beaten many times, even attacked with a knife and their landlord evicted them.
The Voice of the Martyrs has assisted the sisters relocate to a safer location in the south part of Iran. “Their lives have changed. They are now able to continue their ministry and are doing more evangelism. They thank their brothers and sisters in the United States who are praying for them and thinking of them. Knowing they are people around the world praying and encouraging them warms their hearts,” VOM sources added.
Pray God gives Christians in Iran the boldness to remain faithful and continue sharing the gospel of Jesus Christ.