We were completely overwhelmed by the news of Pastor Nadarkhani’s release! Thousands of you joined us in a huge effort of campaigning and prayer for the Iranian church leader who had been on death row because of his faith. It’s an incredible result – but he’s not safe yet, and there’s still a very long way to go before Iranians can enjoy true religious freedom.

This week, please:

• Lord, Your mercy and love never fail. Thank You so much for freeing Pastor Nadarkhani. Thank You for Your faithfulness in answering prayer.
• Ask God to protect Pastor Nadarkhani and his family, as they are still under surveillance and he could still be in danger from the authorities.
• Lift up to God Pastor Benham Irani, another imprisoned church leader, who is critically ill. He suffers from severe stomach ulcers and colon complications and has not received adequate medical treatment. He has also been beaten severely and regularly by prison authorities and other prisoners since he was jailed last year.
• Pray for Pastor Farshid Fathi Malayeri, whose six-year prison sentence on false charges was confirmed following an appeal. He was arrested in 2010 during a series of raids on Christians.
• Pray that God would give strength to and execute justice for Mohammed Ali Dadkhah and other lawyers, activists and journalists who have been jailed for defending the rights of others.
• Ask God to comfort the families of all Iranians who face or have recently been executed. Iran executes more people every year than any other country except China.
• Pray that Iran would one day offer true freedom to everyone, regardless of their religion or ethnicity.