Pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz and his family are being treated like criminals. Like many Iranians from minority faith communities, they have received excessive sentences on unfounded charges relating to national security as part of an ongoing crackdown on religious minorities. Pastor Victor and his family have been charged with national security crimes for what many would consider normal church activities. Pastor Victor faces a ten-year prison sentence for ‘conducting evangelism’ and ‘illegal house church activities’. His wife, Shamiram, was sentenced to five years’ imprisonment for ‘membership of a group with the purpose of disrupting national security’ and an additional five years for ‘gathering and colluding to commit crimes against national security’. Their final appeal hearing was due to take place at the end of February, but was postponed because a summons for one of their co-accused, Hadi Asgari, had not been issued. Their son, Ramiel, was released early from Tehran’s Evin prison because of the coronavirus outbreak. He was serving a five-year sentence, after being arrested while on a picnic with four other Christians. Read more about Iran at csw.org.uk/iran

Sunday 17 May

Pray that God would deliver justice for Pastor Victor, his wife Shamiram and their coaccused, granting a positive outcome at their final appeal hearing, despite the strong likelihood their sentences won’t be dropped.

Monday 18 May

Ask God to bless Pastor Victor and Shamiram today, using Psalm 30:1-2 to inspire your prayers: ‘I will exalt you, Lord, for you lifted me out of the depths and did not let my enemies gloat over me. Lord my God, I called to you for help, and you healed me.’

Tuesday 19 May

Give thanks for the gift of joy God has granted to Ramiel Bet-Tamraz, which has sustained him during his prison sentence. Ask God to increase this gift in his life.

Wednesday 20 May

Pray for Ramiel’s wife, Ninebra, who had to endure being separated from her husband and seeing him imprisoned. Ask God to give her fresh strength and courage to face each day.

Thursday 21 May

Pray for Dabrina Bet-Tamraz, Pastor Victor’s daughter, as she campaigns for her family. Ask God to give her wisdom in all she does, and to show her where to go and what to say.

Friday 22 May

Use the opening verses of Psalm 37 to pray for the whole family today: ‘Commit your way to the Lord; trust in him and he will do this: He will make your righteous reward shine like the dawn, your vindication like the noonday sun.’

Saturday 23 May

Lord God, be a refuge and strength to Pastor Victor, Shamiram, Ramiel, Dabrina, Ninebra and the Church in Iran today. Encourage them and deliver them, for they trust in your name. Command your angels concerning all their ways, protect them from all harm and show them your salvation. Amen.

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