Believers continue to suffer at the hands of the Iranian Government. Brother Youcef Nadarkhani, whose story has captured the hearts of believers around the world, remains in prison.

He was imprisoned when he objected to his local government instructing teachers to teach all children Islam, including those from Christian families. He went to the school that his two sons, then 8 and 6 years old, were attending and protested this based on the Iranian constitution, which allows for freedom to practice religion. As a result, the secret police brought him before the Political Tribunal in Rasht, Iran on October 12, 2009. At that time he was arrested, charged for protesting, and has been in prison ever since. Later the charges changed to evangelism to Muslims and apostasy – a crime punishable by hanging. His wife was also imprisoned for a time. Brother Youcef was sentenced to death for his stand on Christianity and remains in prison, awaiting the results of his appeal.

Brother Youcef is not alone in suffering for his religious beliefs (the Iranian constitution allows for "freedom of religion," but this is not evident in their actions). There are others being prosecuted for a number of charges, all stemming from their Christian beliefs and compounded by the fact that they do not have a large denomination backing them. The charges range from "Crimes against the Islamic Order" (congregating in homes for worship) to "Apostasy" (converting from Islam), and even to "drinking alcohol" (Communion wine).

One of the brothers in Iran who has continuously been persecuted is Brother Behrouz Sadegh-Khandjani. He has been arrested multiple times over the years, since his first charge of "apostasy" 2006. He was recently charged with "blasphemy," and may again be going to trial. Fortunately, Brother Behrouz is out of prison at this time on bail.

Please remember the believers, and all Iranian Christians, in your prayers as the government continues to pressure them to renounce their faith.