Shahin Lahouti was arrested, along with seven other Christians, during a raid on a prayer meeting in October 2012. False political charges were brought against them to cover up for the fact that they were really arrested because of their conversion to Christianity. They were sentenced to 18 months in prison; but while the others were released on bail, and their appeals are pending, Shahin is still in prison.

Shahin is a talented musician and well known for his generous heart – he’s played concerts for autistic children, and regularly performs for charity. So despite the dangers he knew he faced after becoming a Christian last year, he decided to stay in Iran so he could continue helping people through his music. Please join us in prayer for him.

THIS WEEK PLEASE:

• Pray for Christian converts in Iran, as they are particularly vulnerable to arrest and detention for their faith;
• Pray for Shahin Lahouti as he serves his unjust sentence;
• Ask God to sustain Shahin’s family at this difficult time;
• Pray for successful appeals for the seven other Christians charged with anti-state activities;
• Pray for the international community to hold Iran to account for the violations of the rights of religious minorities;
• Pray that the government ends its policy of imprisoning Christians and other religious minorities on false political charges;
• Pray for CSW as we continue to highlight the issue of conversion at the international level.