If you've been to a VOM regional conference this year, you may have heard one of the members of the Hovsepian family speak or sing. This family is an amazing part of the legacy of Pastor Haik Hovsepian, the leader of the Assembly of God church in Iran who was martyred for his faith and his outspoken call for religious freedom in his country. It's now been more than 20 years since Pastor Haik was killed, yet the ministry of his family into Iran continues each week via satellite television.

A judge rescheduled the Aug. 12 execution date for a Christian man imprisoned outside Tehran, Iran. “Amir” was originally set to be executed this week, two years after being caught transporting a truckload of Bibles. Publishing, importing or reprinting Bibles or Christian literature is illegal in Iran. Though the sentence has been delayed, his family remains very concerned for him.

We were privileged this week to have a visit from Dr. Hormoz Shariat, the president of Iran Alive Ministries. Dr. Hormoz shares with millions of Iranians around the world each week via satellite television, and receives calls back from hundreds of viewers. Some report amazing miracles and the fact that they are now following Jesus. Some call to argue or to threaten. Here are some highlights from his visit to VOM as he talked about the growth of the church in Iran.

VOM's May newsletter, arriving in mailboxes over the next few days, includes a story from the front lines of ministry in Iran, the story of "Farahnaz" and her husband sharing the gospel and distributing Bibles in spite of the great risks to do so. The newsletter story shares some of the miraculous ways that God has protected and empowered their ministry.

Pastor Behnam Irani has endured a number of trials and suffered during his imprisonment at Ghezel Hesar Prison located in Iran. After nearly two years of suffering from an intestinal disorder and being very ill, Pastor Behnam was finally taken for surgery on Feb. 22 and he is reported to be doing well as he continues to recuperate in his prison cell — where he was taken about four days after the operation. And as he has been in recovery, secret police seized his only Bible as well as other Christian books.

Good news from Iran: Mohabat News is reporting that Davoud Alijani, arrested in Ahvaz, Iran, during a Christmas service in 2011, has been released from prison, 20 days prior to his sentence being complete.

This week on the Persecution Blog we are reposting the most-viewed posts of 2013, starting with #5 on Monday and counting down to 2013's most-viewed post tomorrow.

As you look at this graphic from the BBC, about media usage inside Iran, take time to pray for Christian ministries--including VOM--that are using different media to reach inside Iran with the gospel message.

After serving ten months in Iran’s Evin prison for Christian activities, we rejoice that Mostafa Mohammad Bordbar was released on Nov. 3, 2013 and acquitted of all charges. We celebrate and

VOM's Todd Nettleton was interviewed earlier this week by Mission Network News after the release of a UN report last week criticizing Iran's human rights record, including repeated abuses of religious freedom. Here is the resulting story from MNN: