‘As a family, we decided we had to trust God…’

The faith, courage and perseverance of Dabrina Bet-Tamraz and her family are inspirational. Despite knowing they could end up paying with their lives, they answered God’s call to lead their growing church in Iran.

Today, they are being treated like criminals: her father, mother and brother have been charged with national security-related crimes for normal church activities. Dabrina dedicates her days to campaigning for her family and raising awareness about the plight of Iranian Christians. At time of writing, their final appeal hearing, originally slated for the end of February 2020, has been postponed due to a procedural error by the court.

It was always obvious we were treated differently

Growing up as a Christian in Iran, it was always obvious we were treated differently. Until I was about ten, the church experienced a decade of severe persecution. Pastors were being killed, churches were under massive pressure, and my parents were regularly taken in for interrogation. We were emotionally prepared for the death of a family member – we talked through what would happen if one of my parents was killed. My parents could have fled, but they decided to stay and face the challenges. My parents are the strongest people of faith I’ve ever encountered.

Victor and Shamiram Issavi Bet-Tamraz, Dabrina’s parents

My family is being treated like criminals

My brother, Ramiel, My brother, Ramiel, has just been released amid concerns the coronavirus was spreading quickly in Iran’s prisons. He was serving a five-year sentence in Evin prison in Tehran – he was arrested with four other Christians in summer 2016 as they picnicked together. If he was a criminal and had done something wrong we’d understand it, but simply for having a picnic with other Christians? It’s unjust.

My father has been sentenced to ten years in prison for ‘conducting evangelism’ and ‘illegal house church activities’, and my mother has been given two five-year sentences for national security charges. They are at home on bail at the moment.

Gifted with joy and positivity

Ramiel told me that there were so many Christians in prison with him, it was like being surrounded by family! He is a really special person, gifted with joy and a positive attitude. He said to me: ‘Compared to other countries like North Korea, where Christians are tortured or killed, we are blessed. I just had to go to prison for a few months.’ My parents are doing well considering the circumstances they’re in, but it is physically, emotionally and spiritually difficult.

‘There are brothers and sisters who struggle for their faith in Iran…I do it for them’

When my family was imprisoned, I started raising awareness about what was happening to Christians in Iran. I had the opportunity to give a speech at the United Nations in Geneva, and last year I was invited to speak at the Ministerial to Advance Religious Freedom in the United States. While I was there I met the president, and shared with him what is happening to Christians in Iran.

I have the blessing of being free, but there are brothers and sisters who struggle for their faith in Iran. I do what I do for them.

‘Your prayers make it possible for Christians in Iran to stand firm…’

My dad always told us we should tell our testimonies so that Christians outside Iran may stand firm in their faith. And your prayers, your advocacy, your support and your financial gifts, they make it possible for Christians in Iran to keep standing strong in their faith. This is the body of Christ – this is what we do for each other.

祈祷

Every prayer is heard! When we asked Dabrina how we could help, her answer was, ‘Pray, pray and pray! Every prayer is heard – and God reveals to Christians in prison that you are praying for them.’ Pray for Dabrina’s family and other Christians in Iran using p.8 of the Prayer Diary, and sign up or our weekly prayer alert at csw.org.uk/prayer for updates on her family and many others around the world.