Amir Taleipour and his wife Mahnaz Harati were at their home in Mashhad with their seven-year-old daughter on December 6th when several intelligence agents entered. At last report, the couple were still being held in detention and not allowed to communicate with family members. They have also been denied legal assistance. In the meantime, their daughter is being cared for by extended family.
Church leaders in Iran say that the pressures against Christians increase every year around the holiday season but this year was particularly severe. A spokesperson for Middle East Concern states, "...it seems there is definitely a coordinated and determined campaign to decimate the Christian community and spread fear and intimidation."
Please remember this couple who are being held in captivity. Also intercede for their young daughter during this time of separation from her parents. Pray that Amir and Mahnaz will be released soon so their family can be reunited. May the efforts of the Iranian authorities to destroy the church be thwarted and instead used to help continue spreading the message of the Gospel of Christ throughout the country.