IRAN -- Authorities Arrest Two Christians at Christmas Gathering

On Dec. 17, security police and undercover officers attacked a Christmas gathering of more than 70 newly converted Christians in the city of Karaj, Iran, according to Farsi Christian News.
Read the full story here

Update: Conditions poor for Eritrean pastor under house arrest

Believers from the Asmara Full Gospel Church

In mid-October, Pastor Tewelde Hailom was arrested and imprisoned along with nine other believers when security forces raided his home (for more information,click here). The pastor, who suffers from an ulcer, was later placed under house arrest. His sister, who had been allowed to take care of him in his home, was recently ordered to leave and his stomach condition is reportedly aggravated by the lack of sufficient food.

Two men arrested during the raid on Pastor Hailom's house, Samuiel Oqbagzi and Gebreberhane Tesfamichel, have been moved to a police station notorious for its strenuous conditions. Furthermore, on November 7, another Full Gospel Church pastor was arrested and imprisoned by Eritrean security forces. (Source:Open Doors)

Ask the Lord to heal and sustain Pastor Hailom as he suffers for his faith. Pray for the release of the recently imprisoned pastor and other Christians detained in Eritrea.

Update: Arrest made in attack on Christian family in the West Bank

Yaakov "Jack" Teitel Photo from Shin Bet

A suspect has finally been arrested for the March 2008 bomb attack in the Jewish settlement town of Ariel that severely injured Ami Ortiz, the teenage son of a Messianic pastor (read the story). Yaakov "Jack" Teitel (37), an American-born man reportedly behind a number of other deadly terror attacks over the past decade, was arrested on October 7. Leah Ortiz, Ami's mother, told the Jerusalem Post, "We are relieved that a suspect has been arrested for the attempted murder which took place in our home a year and a half ago. As a family the past year and a half has been a struggle in every way."

Please pray for Ami as he continues to heal from the brutal bomb attack. To watch a video interview with Ami and his family, click here.