March 2006

Friends,

Mr. Morteza Ebrahimi and his son Hoseyn left Iran two and a half years ago and came to Germany seeking asylum. Morteza left his wife and daughter in Iran because they could not come together. He was in a pressing situation to leave Iran as soon as possible. He applied for asylum here in Germany, but he has not yet got an answer. This is very common—all asylum seekers wait for several years!

In early 2005 Morteza came to our church. After a few visits he began to bring his son with him. Finally the word of God touched their hearts, and they asked for baptism classes, which they successfully passed. Recently , they were baptized in our church. Morteza says that he now has joy in his heart, even as they wait for the rest of the family to join them.

Hoseyn is 18 years old and is going to school. His sister in Iran is 13. Morteza is taking part in my Bible study every Monday and shows a lot of interest in the subjects. His wife and his daughter are looking to find a way that they can leave Iran and come to Germany, but it is very difficult these days to get a visa from the German embassy. They will ask, “Where is your husband?”

If they try to come illegally, that is difficult, very expensive, and dangerous, especially for a young woman and 13-year-old girl. We pray that God will open a way and make it possible for this family to be together again.

This is not the only family that is separated. Many are in the same situation. Sometimes it takes so long for a family to be reunited that their relationships break down.

Please pray for this situation and for all people who have such problems. Especially pray for Morteza and Hosyen.

Rev. Sadegh Sepehri

The 2006 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 178