Maryam and Marzieh are aquited in Iran

Many of you have prayed for these precious saints in Iran, Maryam and Marzieh.

Last week, we just received the following good news from International Christian Concern:

"Maryam Rostampour, 28, and Marzieh Amirizadeh, 31, arrested in Iran fourteen months ago for their Christian faith, have been freed by judicial authorities after being acquitted of all charges brought against them.

Maryam and Marzieh were first arrested on March 5, 2009 by Iranian security forces for being apostates (converting to Christianity from Islam). It was not long before the world took notice of Maryam and Marzieh's tremendous courage in the face of extreme pressure and intimidation. Taken before a Revolutionary Court hearing on August 9, Maryam and Marzieh were commanded to recant their faith in return for their freedom. "We will not deny our faith," they said. "If we come out of prison, we want to do so with honor."

While detained at Evin Prison, Maryam and Marzieh were kept in solitary confinement and endured severe interrogations, all the while suffering from poor health. Yet, in the midst of great trials and persecution, Maryam and Marzieh did not lose hope, but "considered all things to be loss in view of the surpassing value of knowing Christ Jesus..." (Phil. 3:8). The international Christian community was moved by Maryam and Marzieh's steadfast perseverance, and united behind Maryam and Marzieh as one body throughout the world in prayer for their deliverance. The Lord heard ours prayers, and on November 18, 2009, Maryam and Marzieh were released from prison!

However, the ordeal had not yet ended for Maryam and Marzieh. Although released, the charges had not been dropped, and in April, Maryam and Marzieh were summoned to another court hearing.

After a month of anxiously waiting for a verdict, ICC welcomes the news that on May 23, all charges against Maryam and Marzieh have been dropped! Upon hearing the news, Maryam and Marzieh left Iran to an unknown country after being warned by judicial authorities that any future Christian activity in Iran will be harshly punished. From henceforth, Maryam and Marzieh will be able to worship God freely and at all hours of the day without having to fear death or imprisonment. Their faith and endurance has been an encouragement to countless believers throughout the world.

Maryam and Marzieh are grateful for the support and prayers of Christians worldwide. "We are most grateful to everyone who prayed for us," they said. "I have no doubt that God heard the prayers of His people. I believe our arrest, imprisonment and subsequent release were in the timing and plan of God, and it was all for His glory. But the prayers of people encouraged and sustained us throughout this ordeal."

Join us in rejoicing over the Lord's deliverance of Maryam and Marzieh!

Please pray:

For Maryam and Marzieh's recovery, as months of abuse and mistreatment by Iranian security forces have undoubtedly taken a toll on their health

For Maryam and Marzieh's adjustment into a new country and culture. That their witness and faith will continue to move countless more lives into repentance, and toward salvation and a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

For the Iranian church, which continues to persevere and grow despite great torment and affliction committed against them by the Iranian government."

Report from International Christian Concern - Washington DC

Gratefully your servants in Jesus Christ,

Court and Sandy Wood

"A new command I give you: Love one another...
As I have loved you, so you must love one another.
By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another."

The Lord Jesus Christ