Iran’s Revolutionary Court recently upheld Pastor Farshid
Fathi’s six-year sentence for “political offenses,” forcing him to complete a
prison term that began more than 18 months ago. Farshid was arrested in
December 2010 for his Christian work, but authorities continue to cast his
activities as political offenses. He has become much beloved among inmates in
Tehran’s Evin prison, according to Elam Ministries.
Source: Elam Ministries
“This move once again displays great injustice towards
Christians in Iran,” Reverend Sam Yeghnazar of Elam Ministries wrote. “However,
Farshid is a man after God’s own heart, and God will be faithful to him.”
Farshid’s trial had been repeatedly postponed by judicial
authorities until earlier this year. The couple
has two children.
According to Elam, Farshid’s lawyer was denied full access
to the case until a few days before trial. Farshid was convicted for allegedly
being the chief agent of foreign organization in Iran and for administering funds
for foreign organizations, a charge often used to arrest and convict
Christians.
Elam, a ministry founded by Iranian church leaders in 1988
to serve the growing Iranian church, reports that Farshid has ministered to
others in the prison. The son of a Muslim religious leader publicly commented on
Farshid’s sweet nature in a YouTube video.
Pray for Farshid’s endurance as he continues to bring light
to those in Evin prison during the remainder of his sentence. Continue to pray
for his early release and that his testimony will encourage other Christians
throughout Iran.
Sources: Elam Ministries, Christian Solidarity Worldwide
Posted: July 5, 2012
Updated: July 17, 2012