Iran: Women: We Love Christ!

UPDATE: On Aug. 8, Marzieh and Maryam were summoned to an Iranian court and ordered to deny their faith verbally and in a written statement, according to The Voice of the Martyrs contacts.

Marzieh and Maryam were pressured to recant their faith after the chief interrogator recommended they be charged with apostasy. Praise God, they stood firm and replied, “We love Jesus. We will not deny our faith.”

VOM contacts reported the deputy prosecutor, Mr. Haddad, aggressively questioned the women during the court proceedings. Haddad asked them if they regretted becoming Christians. They replied they had no regrets. When Maryam and Marzieh made reference to their belief that God had convicted them through the Holy Spirit, Haddad told them, it was impossible for God to speak with humans. Marzieh boldly asked him if he was questioning God’s authority and he replied she was not worthy for God to speak to her.

The court adjourned when Haddad told the women a judge would render the verdict although it is not clear which judge is handling their case. Marzieh and Maryam were arrested by Iranian security forces in March and labeled "anti-government activists."

Marzieh and Maryam's apartment was searched and their belongings were confiscated. "Their only crime is that they are committed Christians who follow the teachings of Jesus. They are being unfairly labeled as 'anti government activists' because of the hostility of the government towards practicing Christians.

The women have reportedly been interrogated numerous times and were held in three different police detention centers before being sent to Evin Prison. They are still being held in Evin prison. VOM encourages you to continue praying for Marzieh and Maryam’s release. Ask God to heal, encourage and protect them. Pray they will continue to stand for Christ during this difficult time.

Please visit the Voice of the Martyrs website here.