We just received a bit of good news about Brother Youcef. Although he is still under a sentence of capital punishment, his attorney has received word that there is a "temporary" delay in executing his punishment. Once the written verdict of his sentence is received, then there will be a period of 20 days to appeal. Right now, they are preventing him from seeing his attorney. Please continue to pray for our brother. We can only imagine the pressure he is feeling as the Iranian officials continue their intimidation toward him and his family, while creating an atmosphere of confusion so that no one, not even his lawyer, knows their next move. He has been in prison for over a year, leaving a wife and two children at home.

While Brother Youcef has been in the forefront of all our minds, we must also remember the other believers in Iran who face threats every day. Brother Behrouz, who is in failing health and incarcerated in southern Iran, as well as many other Iranian brothers and sisters who have been beaten and threatened for their religious beliefs, are doing their best to rise above the persecution and serve the Lord in a way that is pleasing to Him. Only the Lord Jesus Christ can give them the strength they need to endure this suffering and accomplish the purpose of that which is intended.