Arrested...

ASSEMBLIES OF GOD LEADER URGES PRAYERS
FOR IRANIAN CHRISTIANS UNDER ARREST

Dr. George O. Wood, general superintendent of the Assemblies of God
(USA) and chairman of the World Assemblies of God Fellowship
representing more than 63 million members, has called church members
around the world to pray for more than 70 Christians who were
arrested over Christmas in Iran.

BBC Persian (in England) reported that the governor of the province
of Tehran said on January 4 that they have arrested Christians and
will arrest more. He said Christians are corrupt, deviant, similar
to the Taliban, and controlled by the West.

"These Christians represent the house churches in Iran," states
Wood. "For the past year or two we have seen efforts by the Iranian
government specifically to stamp out these ministries." "The
Assemblies of God recognizes the house churches in Iran as a
legitimate part of the global main stream body of Christ, and urges
the Iranian government to recognize them as such, and give them
freedom to meet publicly."

In addition to these 70, the pastor of the Assemblies of God church
in Isfahan was arrested on December 31. It was noted other major
attacks against Christians are occurring in places like Iraq,
Pakistan and Egypt, to name a few.

"There is an urgent need for Christians all over the world to
intercede for our brothers and sisters in prison in Iran," Wood
continued. "Let us pray that they will experience the presence and
the power of the Holy Spirit, even in their prison cells. Pray they
will have supernatural endurance and courage through this trial, and
be shining witnesses to the guards and other inmates. Pray for peace
and wisdom when they are being interrogated. Pray for their health.
Pray for comfort and confidence for their families. Pray they will
soon be released."

Wood is requesting that Assemblies of God congregations make this
issue a matter of prayer in all services over the next few weeks.

"It is comforting to know that God knows about every single arrest
that has been made and that He will bring glory to His name through
the suffering and bring victory for His Kingdom in Iran," Wood said.

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