By Dan Wooding, Founder of ASSIST News Service
IRAN REGION (ANS – October 1, 2015) -- More than 240 Iranians were baptized recently in two large celebrations in the Iran region.
According to Elam Ministries (www.elam.com), a further 16 were baptized in a smaller service, and about 200 more are to be baptized at a fourth celebration.
“We praise God for every Iranian who has been baptized recently,” said a spokesperson for Elam Ministries.
“Seven friends, who were there
to support those being baptized, responded to a call to submit their
lives to Christ for the first time at one of last week's celebrations.
These large baptism services are joyful day-long gatherings, with
sessions of worship, preaching, prayer for the nation of Iran, Holy
Communion and shared meals.”
One of the baptisms followed a
conference which the entire church attended; the theme of unity threaded
through all the teaching, and encouraged the church greatly.
“We thank you for praying and
supporting us as we seek to serve and equip Iran’s growing church,”
added the spokesperson for Elam Ministries. “Please pray for all those
who were baptized, the seven new believers, and those who will be
baptized soon.”
In a separate story, Elam Ministries explained, “Why we should pray for Christians post-persecution,”
The ministry said that those
who have survived persecution often need just as much prayer as those
currently enduring persecution. It is relatively common knowledge that
Christians in Iran can be imprisoned for their faith. New arrests and
prison sentences hit the prayer headlines quite regularly. But less well
known is the potential long-term psychological damage that persecution
can cause.
“Long after an abusive arrest,
an extended stint in solitary, an intensive interrogation, or
incarceration in a volatile ward, Christians can continue to suffer,”
said the story. “Once released, the trauma is not necessarily over:
whether it’s dark nightmares, flashbacks, paranoia, depression or
post-traumatic stress disorder, the effects can sometimes be devastating
and long-lasting. Especially for those who have endured physical or
psychological torture, memories remain, fear and uncertainties cloud the
mind, wounds need healing.
“Will you join us in praying
for long-term healing for all those who are suffering following
persecution? The support of friends, family and church members is vital
for recovery; let’s pray for wisdom as they seek to love, care and pray
for survivors. Let’s pray also that those that need professional
counselling support would find it, and that all survivors would continue
to bring their pain, memories and questions before Jehova Rapha- our God who heals.”
Photo captions: 1) Iranian believers worshiping the Lord on a beach. 2) Dan Wooding
About
the writer: Dan Wooding, 74, is an award-winning author, broadcaster
and journalist who was born in Nigeria of British missionary parents,
and is now living in Southern California with his wife Norma, to whom he
has been married for more than 52 years. They have two sons, Andrew and
Peter, and six grandchildren who all live in the UK. Dan is the founder
and international director of ASSIST (Aid to Special Saints in
Strategic Times) and the ASSIST News Service (ANS). He is also the
author of some 45 books.
** You may republish this or any of ANS stories with attribution to the ASSIST News Service (www.assistnews.net)
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