Those are the names of two beautiful young converts to Christianity in Iran who have been held for over four months in the notorious Evin Prison of Teheran.
Iranian Christians and rights investigators said the two young women, who were arrested March 5, suffered sleep deprivation as part of police interrogations and were held in solitary confinement for three weeks in May and early June.Later, they were put together in one small cell for about two weeks before being moved to a larger area to make place for other inmates, including many protesters who were detained following last month's disputed presidential elections, said Christians with close knowledge about the situation.About 600 women were reportedly brought to Evin prison during the protests.
The cause of the newer arrivals has had significantly more attention in the wider world -- though even there the world's attention seems to be waning of late. While there are eye-witness reports of hangings of some of those protesters (including inmates at the Evin prison), it must be remembered that "apostosy" from Islam is also a capital offence. And yet these women have clung to their faith regardless. It is entirely possible that the growing number of martyrs in Iran is already taking effect in spreading Christianity, and such is the potential outcome of the faithful witness of these heroic women.
Elam Ministries linked the attacks [on local Christians] to concern among Iran's leaders about the spread of Christianity in the Islamic nation. "Because Iran is a strategic gateway nation, the growing church in Iran will impact Muslim nations across the Islamic world."The group said in 1979, there were less than 500 known Christians from a Muslim background in Iran. "Today the most conservative estimate is that there are at least 100,000 believers in the nation." Church leaders have reportedly said that they believe "millions" can be added "to the church in the next few years -- such is the spiritual hunger that exists and the disillusionment with the Islamic regime."
This is how it has unfolded over the centuries. Still, I know these two women and those who are likewise suffering for their faith need your prayers and count on your solidarity in the face of torture and death. Keep them in mind as you worship in peace and travel without restraint this summer.
UPDATE: More martyrs, more missing. Jesus, mercy!
"Maryam" is the common arabic equivalent of "Maria" or "Mary". A lovely name. There's a song I really love about Mary, called "Miriam", because that alternate anglicization of Mary is in fact closer to the aramaic name that our lady really answered to here on earth.
Warren
Posted by: warren | Sunday, 19 July 2009 at 08:26 PM