Today in Iran there is a great hunger for God and for His Word. The Church is growing but so is the intensity of the persecution experienced by Christians across Iran and especially by believers who meet together in the many house churches. Those who embrace Christianity in Iran understand that there is a cost to discipleship and that they may well be targeted because of their faith.

This month's alert focuses on the case of Vahid Zarday. This is not the first time that Vahid has been arrested. Please pray for him and for his family.

Updates
Laos – Please continue to pray for former prisoners Pastor Bounchan (Prisoners of Faith Alert November 2009) and Pastor Wanna (Prisoners of Faith Alert November 2011) and other pastors and house church leaders in Laos.

Release contacts say that some provincial and local authorities appear determined to eradicate Christianity from certain districts in Laos. During the past 12 months there has been a marked increase in the number of incidents of persecution and the pressure directed at new converts and church leaders in particular.