The suffering most Iranians talk about comes in conversations about shopping or savings. General inflation is running in the region of 20 – 25% and salaries are not keeping up. This means shopping can be less than pleasant, especially for poorer families. The savings situation is perhaps even more painful, because the value of the Iranian currency has nose-dived. A year ago a US dollar was worth about 10,000 rials; in September this year it’s gone as low as one dollar to 25,000 rials. For Iranians with savings, this is pretty depressing. Inflation is eating away the worth of their money at home, and abroad their money has lost half its value. The response is predictable: people are trying to get their money into hard currencies or gold or property before things get worse. Christians probably suffer more than most because their work situation is vulnerable. They have to be especially careful both with their household spending and their savings. Travel for many Christians is important for ministry and fellowship. Some, though, in these volatile days are unable to afford the tickets. While the situation is challenging, it also gives Christians an opportunity to prove Jesus’ words that if we seek first the Kingdom of God, all our needs will be provided for. And this will be a witness to others. Pray for •Economic situation to stabilize •Provision for elderly whose savings suffer •Witness of Christians proving that God can supply our needs