Pastor Nasser (left) and Pastor Joseph (right). (Source: Article 18)
Apr. 17, 2025 | Iran

Pastors Rearrested, One Suffers Stroke

Iranian pastors Nasser Navard Gol-Tapath, age 63, and Joseph Shahbazian, age 61, were rearrested in their homes on Feb. 6, 2025, and taken to Evin Prison. No reason for their arrests was given. Pastor Nasser immediately began a hunger strike in protest but suffered a debilitating stroke on March 17. While he reportedly has received some medical treatment, he remains behind bars. Pastor Nasser had previously served nearly 5 years in the same prison on a 10-year sentence on charges of "action against national security" for leading house churches. Read More.

North Korean ministry students practice Bible translation as part of their training and discipleship.
Apr. 17, 2025 | Korea, North

Ministry Training Evolves to Reach New Students

Front-line workers and students in a discipleship training program for North Korean defectors are continually adapting their ministry to encourage the participation of more students in different regions of South Korea. At the beginning of 2025, 42 North Koreans enrolled in a new regionally based program. Pray that, during recruitment trips, the Lord will send new North Korean defectors who have a heart for gospel ministry to be trained in discipleship techniques that have been effective. Read More.

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