One of the most active groups aiding persecuted Christians in the Middle Easy with prayers and action is Smyrna Ministries International.

It lists on the very top of its “Mission and Statement of Faith” its mission and vow to “Serve the Persecuted Church in the Islamic context.” Next to that is “To Challenge the Body of Christ to respond to the plight of the Persecuted Church and the global advance of Islam.”

Smyrna is committed to helping real people who are suffering today.

Part of its statement says: “Many of our fellow Christians feel forgotten and alone. Church leaders plead with us to stand beside them. They need our gifts and especially our prayers. We are equipping the Church in Muslim regions, embracing helpless new believers, and rescuing Christian families who are in danger of being tortured or murdered.”

Smyrna regularly lists cases of persecution of Christians.

“Persecution of Christians in many of the Muslim-dominated countries of the Middle East is frequent, widespread, and violent. The pervasiveness of sharia law enables religious and secular authorities to act in concert and makes sharing the Gospel extremely hazardous. Muslims who make the choice for eternal life with Christ know that all too frequently it is a decision for an end to their life on earth.

“This antagonism toward Christians is unsurprising in many Middle Eastern countries, especially such as Iran, whose governments and religious establishments are openly hostile to the West.

“Other countries, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, whose governments are much less hostile, still tolerate and encourage persecution of Christians within their borders.

Perhaps the most disappointing and alarming situation for Christians in the Middle East today is in the country of Iraq, however. This nation, even though on a slow and rocky road toward democracy, still harbors rampant persecution. The sheer volume of persecution incidents reported in Iraq is stunning — particularly in relation to the frequency of reports coming from other countries.

“Part of the answer for this may be that the increasingly open society makes dissemination of these incidents more rapid and common.”

These are some of the cases on Smyrna’s latest list:

IRAN
December 21, 2012
Pastor Farshid Fathi
UPDATE: Christians in IRAN have requested renewed prayers for Pastor Farshid Fathi. In 2010, Farshid was sentenced to six years in prison for “acting against national security through membership in a Christian organization.” He has faced intense interrogation and been denied communication with his wife and two young daughters. Ask God to give Farshid and his family overwhelming comfort, perseverance, and safety.

“Do not turn Your back on me.”
Prisoner Released!
December 16, 2012
On Oct. 18, a middle-aged woman named Afsar was arrested in IRAN for involvement in church activity. Praise God, Afsar was released a day later!
“The Lord is my light and my salvation.”

Officers stationed at churches
December 14, 2012
State security officers have been stationed in front of two churches in Iran. The officers interfere with the church services, frighten away visitors, and often forbid children from attendance. Ask God to enable these church members to do good to those who hate them.

“The Lord is my fortress, protecting me from danger.”
Imprisoned Pastor Experiences Health Issues
November 26, 2012
Update: Pastor Behnam Irani remains in prison in Iran and has been denied adequate medical care. Among other things, he suffers from internal bleeding. Ask God to heal his body and bring about his release. Pray for courage for him and his family.

Threats against Christians
November 21, 2012
Government agents in IRAN have recently threatened church elders not to speak with Muslims and have threatened others not to attend church.

SYRIA
“My heart will not be afraid.”
Pastor tortured & murdered
December 11, 2012
Fadi Haddad, a pastor in Syria, was found murdered on Oct. 25. It was reported that Haddad appeared to have been “horribly tortured” after being kidnapped by terrorists. Ask God to comfort the pastor’s church.

“My heart will not be afraid.”
Tortured for Christ
December 7, 2012
Christians detained in Iran are often tortured into confessing crimes against the government. Nearly 400 Iranian Christians were arrested in October alone. Pray fervently for these brothers and sisters: Ask God to pour out on them grace, courage, and protection.

“Hear me as I pray, O Lord.”
Christians caught in the middle
December 5, 2012
On Oct. 29, rebels set a church in Syria on fire. Most Christians have chosen to support neither the rebels nor the regime and have faced persecution recently because of it. Ask God to give the Christians wisdom as they continue to be caught in the middle between warring factions.

“Even if I am attacked, I will remain confident.”
Father temporarily released
December 2, 2012
On Oct. 9, Vahid Zarday, a believer from Iran, was temporarily released from prison. Zarday, his wife, and several other Christians were arrested in May during a house church service. Zarday remained in prison for 136 days, an experience he described as “hell on earth.” Pray for Zarday’s charges to be dropped permanently and for God to comfort this young family.