Day 8
Iran
In recent months, arrests, detentions, interrogations, arrests, and trials of Christians in Iran have all been related to Christians involved in Iran’s house church movement. Iran recognizes Christianity as a minority religion and people from traditional Christian backgrounds, such as Armenians and Assyrian Christians, are allowed to meet in church buildings. But people who convert from Islam to Christianity are not permitted to attend these churches, instead establishing a house church movement. Pray for a new beginning for Iranian house churches, that the Lord will pour out His strength and perseverance in the face of continual persecution (The Bible, James 1:12).
Formerly known as Persia, Iran retains its identity as one of the greatest empires of the ancient world. They have maintained their language, culture, and Shia interpretation of Islam. In recent years there has been an increasing internal divide between hard-line and moderate Muslims. Internationally backed US sanctions have taken a huge toll on the economy resulting in protests on the street and greater dissatisfaction with the Islamic clerics. Protests were brutally squashed, only fueling the tensions.
