A powerful earthquake hit western Iran early on Monday, seriously injuring at least 60 people in the province of Ilam*, a region near the border with Iraq. As lives and communities are being rebuilt, join us in praying that local Christians would be salt and light during this difficult time. The 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit at a depth of around 10 kilometers (6 miles) in an area 36 kilometers southeast of the Iranian city of Abdanan and it was followed by a series of aftershocks. The tremors cut off water, electricity and phone lines in Abdanan. Ilam Governor Majid Asghari said that authorities expected to find severe destruction in rural areas close to the epicenter. This disaster follows another recent tragedy: a plane crash near Tehran on August 10, which killed 39 people.  Many Iranians refuse to travel by airplane because crashes of Iranian planes are worryingly regular.  Disasters in Iran seem so frequent, that some Iranians live burdened and ruled by fear. Like so many of us, they need to discover the peace that comes through Christ alone, who casts out fear. Pray for Destroyed homes and communities to be quickly rebuilt Jesus to bring comfort to those affected, and lead many to himself Those who are burdened by fear to find peace in Jesus * Historical evidence indicates that Ilam province was part of the ancient Elamite Empire, from which Elam Ministries also draws its name.