Recently, Elam's executive director, David Yeghnazar, had the privilege of talking in depth with a courageous church planter, Morad*, who spent months in detention for his faith earlier this year.

Morad shared that whenever he was allowed out in the prison yard for his daily exercise, he would pray and worship. “In the Spirit,” he explained, “I could clearly sense the prayers of other believers with me… this really carried me.”

Through the prayers of many believers, God enabled Morad to stand firm for Him during those difficult days. Not only that: Morad wonderfully saw dozens of people come to faith through his witness.

Morad's account is reminiscent of many similar stories shared over the past decade or so by other believers who have paid a price for following Christ. Many times, Iranians have said that they could feel the global church standing with them in prayer during their darkest days.

So, in light of a recent intensification of persecution in Iran, please pray for the people featured in this month’s Persecuted but not forsaken resource.

As you intercede for those enduring persecution, please pray:

• For peace for their hearts and minds, as well as for their loved ones

• For them to sense God’s presence and protection with them

• For the witness of the church to shine bright as believers stand firm under pressure

*A pseudonym has been used for security reasons.