[Today's Prayer] Iran Sentences Christian Converts to Heavy Prison Terms... International Concerns Growing

The sentencing of Christian converts in Iran to heavy prison terms is raising growing international concerns. In particular, Aida Najaflou (44), who was imprisoned in Evin Prison with spinal fractures and rheumatoid arthritis, was sentenced to 17 years in prison despite her deteriorating health.

According to Article 18, Najaflou was sentenced to more than 50 years in prison along with five other Christians in October 21st. She was sentenced to 10 years under Article 500 of the revised Iranian Penal Code, five years for 'assembling and conspiring', and two years for 'propaganda' related to social media posts.

Najaflou has recently been hospitalized twice for wound infections after spinal surgery. Her lawyer warned, "Najaflou is at risk of paralysis due to spinal injuries." The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) Women's Committee also stated, "Her health condition is very serious."

In addition to Najaflou, Joseph Shahbazian, a Christian pastor of Armenian descent in Iran, his wife Lida, and Christian convert Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh were also sentenced to heavy prison terms. Another unnamed woman was also sentenced to prison.

Mansour Borji, the head of Article 18, pointed out, "These Bibles and Christian literature were confiscated by the intelligence agency for 'research purposes', and there were serious procedural violations during the trial, including long detention and excessive bail requirements."

The prosecution equated Protestantism with 'Zionist Christianity' and accused foreign Christian organizations of being agents of foreign intelligence agencies. However, no evidence was provided. Shahbazian and Gol-Tapeh were simply labeled as 'criminals' for attempting to share the gospel and distribute Bibles.

Iran ranked ninth on the World Watch List (WWL) of Christian Persecution Countries released by Open Doors in 2025. The report noted that despite the persecution, the church in Iran is steadily growing.

Source: Christian Today

My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me; and I give them eternal life, and they shall never perish, neither shall anyone snatch them out of my hand. (John 10:27-28)

It is distressing to hear that Christian converts in Iran continue to be sentenced to heavy prison terms for their faith, and that their health is often deteriorating as a result.

As Iranian house churches are equated with 'Zionist Christianity', they are accused of being agents of foreign intelligence agencies and labeled as a 'national threat', thereby facing violence and persecution. We pray that the Lord will protect and defend the Iranian brothers and sisters who are persecuted for their faith.

May the persecution in Iran cease, and may the leaders of Iran, who are influenced by extremist ideologies, be transformed by the values of the Bible and lead the nation.

May the church in Iran, which continues to grow despite persecution, receive the Lord's grace and never perish.

May the revival in Iran, where many young people are embracing the bride of Christ, spread to other nations, and may the Iranian youth welcome the Lord's return with spiritual maturity.

May the Persian revival, which is not afraid of martyrdom, expand to other nations, and may the Iranian youth come to the Lord with the spiritual maturity of a bride.