Last month, governmental authorities in Iran put more pressure on Christians in the country by demanding personal details of members of a Tehran church. Divulging personal information is risky as a Christian worker explained, ‘For former Muslims who follow Jesus Christ as their Lord and Saviour, find there are often huge obstacles and problems, they'll lose their jobs, their bank accounts are frozen, and in general, life becomes very difficult.’ With that in mind, it was thought that maybe 100 at the most would come forward, however, over 700 stepped up, gave their names and addresses and said, 'Here we are. Here's where we stand. Calling Christians in Iran resilient, the OM worker noted that ‘they value the precious treasure they've found; they're willing to lose everything for the sake of finding Christ.’ The worker added that one of the best ways for believers around the world to stand with the Church in Iran is to pray for them.

Pray: for all those who have chosen to follow Jesus that God would put His arms around them. (Ps.91:14)

More: http://www.openheaven.com/forums/forum_posts.asp?TID=42476&PN=1

NY Times report: ‘As tension grew in its nuclear dispute with the West, Iran warned it would take pre-emptive action against perceived foes if it felt its national interests were threatened. Without mentioning Israel directly, Mohammed Hejazi, the deputy Armed Forces head said, ‘Our strategy now is that if we feel our enemies want to endanger Iran's national interests, and want to decide to do that, we will act without waiting for their actions.' Reuters reported. ‘Divisions in Iran's leadership make it difficult to interpret the government's intentions, but the statement showed a new level of aggressiveness in Iran's rhetoric.’ A two-day visit by the International Atomic Energy Agency team is the second in less than a month amid growing concerns over alleged Iranian weapons experiments. Two Iranian warships docked in the Syrian port of Tartus on Monday as a senior Iranian lawmaker denounced American calls for arming the Syrian opposition.

Pray: that God in His mercy will reign over Iranian leaders and scientists. (Ps.35:17-18)

More: http://www.unitedagainstnucleariran.com/news/eye-iran-iran-warns-pre-emptive-action-nuclear-dispute

On Tuesday a powerful 6.3 magnitude earthquake struck close to Iran's nuclear power station, killing at least 37 people and injuring 850 more. The distance between the earthquake focal point and the nuclear power plant was 80km. The quake was felt across the Gulf in Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where workers were evacuated from high-rise buildings as a precaution. Meanwhile on the same day EU Nuclear talks between Iran and six world powers in Kazakhstan revealed that 'the two sides remain far apart on substance.' At a P5+1 international meeting Iran’s Foreign Ministry spokesman urged the world powers to recognize the Islamic Republic’s nuclear rights and take confidence-building measures with Tehran. He reiterated that the Islamic Republic will use its nuclear capabilities for peaceful purposes and the development of the country. Israel and other allies fear Iran is pursuing non-civilian objectives in its nuclear energy programme. http://www.ynetnews.com/articles/0,7340,L-4364580,00.html

Pray: that God would speak and achieve His purposes through the international community regarding Iran’s intentions. (Ps.33:10-11)

More: http://www.aljazeera.com/news/asia/2013/04/201349122759954931.html