Three Christians detained for their Christian faith and ministry in Iran have been released in recent weeks. Meanwhile, a fourth has begun serving a 10-year sentence in Evin prison.

Through August’s Persecuted but not forsaken prayer resource, we requested prayer for Joseph Shahbazian (who had been serving a two-year sentence in Evin Prison), and for "F" and "B" (who had been detained since mid-July).

We are pleased to report that Joseph was recently pardoned and has returned home after 13 months in prison. "F" was released in August and "B" was released in September, pending prosecution. It is understood that "B" has particularly suffered physically during his detention.

Also in September, 61-year-old Anooshavan Avedian began serving a ten-year sentence for engaging in “propaganda contrary to and disturbing to the holy religion of Islam,” according to Article 18.

You can use this month’s Persecuted but not forsaken to pray for Anooshavan and others currently behind bars.

Please pray:

• For Joseph, "F" and "B" as they recover from their experiences and for "B’s" physical recovery in particular

• For charges against "F" and "B" to be dropped

• For strength, peace and comfort for Anooshavan and his loved ones