Be a Christian's Lifeline Today!

An Iranian-Assyrian pastor and his wife have fled their home in Iran after receiving a summons to report to the country's notorious Evin Prison — a place where many inmates are subjected to mock executions, beatings, psychological torture and generally horrendous treatment.

According to International Christian Concern (ICC), the couple had just lost their appeal before the courts. Pastor Victor Bet-Tamraz was appealing a 10-year prison sentence ... his wife, Shamiram, a five-year sentence.

While Iran claims to protect religious freedom — citing constitutional protections that only apply for citizens who can prove they were Christians before the 1979 Islamic Revolution — ICC says this case demonstrates the government’s relentless pursuit of all Christians. It also highlights a policy of ignoring any legal obligations regarding religious freedom.

The couple — both in their 60s — are devastated about having to leave their home, even if it is in the openly hostile nation of Iran. But given the notoriously harsh conditions of Evin Prison, made worse by COVID-19, they left for the sake of their health.

Claire Evans, ICC’s Regional Manager for the Middle East, states:

“Iran’s government has made it clear that it has no respect for religious freedom, nor the dignity of human life. Leaving one’s home is an incredibly painful process, and not one that is taken lightly. While we are glad [they] are safe, we are also saddened by the circumstances which compelled them to leave.”

Deep and utter heartache burdens Christians in Iran. It’s the #9 nation on Open Doors’ 2020 World Watch List — a detailed report about which countries are home to the most severe religious freedom abuses toward believers.

But with your generous gift to Liberty Relief International today, you’ll reach out with the love of Christ to the persecuted and oppressed — in Iran, the Middle East and elsewhere ... people just like the Bet-Tamraz family.

Through our caring, local partners:

1. You will minister to their physical needs — feeding them, clothing them, giving them water, shelter and safety.
2. You will advocate on their behalf — raising a voice against the persecution they face day and night.
3. You will offer spiritual and emotional encouragement — healing for broken hearts.
4. You will provide Bibles and Gospel-based discipleship materials to strengthen our brothers and sisters in their faith.
5. And more.

Please keep this couple in your prayers as they settle in a new country and new home

And thank you for doing what you can today to meet the needs of our brothers and sisters worldwide who suffer grave threats to their safety because of their faith.

Yours in Christ,

Mathew D. Staver
Founder and Chairman

Liberty Relief International is a 501(c)(3), tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Contributions are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law.