New Life City Church: Cross Vigil Day 26

DAY 26: Thursday 8 October

What another blessed day. The whether was unusually summery, but who's complaining! The visits and opportunities etc were once again so good. My thanks again to everyone who stopped by and to everyone who prays and sends messages to encourage etc. I never feel like I am alone, not only because Colin Morrison is always with me, but because I know there are many who are standing with me in spirit on this vigil.

Got talking a cyclist who stopped to find out more about what I am doing with the cross. Dylan stop for a good chat. Before he left he prayed with and we prayed for him. Dylan was delivered from a drugs background and had gone through Teen Challenge. Mr. Indescribable arrived just on time with a selection of muffins. Billy McCurley came along with grandson baby Seth. It was so encouraging to see and to know that what I am doing is touching his and the hearts of many others.

Ted had more time on his hands as did James. They chose to spend it at the cross! Thomas (Boneyard) also came along for a good chat about so much that is affecting our community. Before the end of the Vigil two tourists from Australia choose to stop, which again presented a great opportunity to explain about the Cross Vigil; the church and the other events that have been organised before it all ends.

UPDATE on Maryam and Marzieh: I got the following update from John Lindner www.worldchristianministries.org:

According to Elam ministries, Maryam Rostampoor (27) and Marzieh Amirizadeh (30) continue to be imprisoned in Iran. They were imprisoned in March because of their participation in a Christian Church and professing their faith in Christ. Their attorney said recently, "My clients are not prepared to lie about their faith under any condition."

Both suffer ill health, and last Sunday, October 4, Maryam suffered severe food poisoning. After much insistence prison authorities finally relented and gave her medical attention.

And just this morning I received word that they were brought before the court yesterday to face three charges: (1) anti-state activities, (2) propagation of the Christian faith, and (3) apostasy.

In answer to your prayers, there was a new judge presiding, and, amazingly, he threw out the charge of anti-state activities. This allows Maryam and Marzieh's case to be transferred from the revolutionary court to the general court. This is a great relief for the two women and their lawyer.

Their story has spread all across the Christian world and they are aware that Christians worldwide are praying for them. They say, "Thank you for praying for us. We are humbled and strengthened by your prayers, and we are determined to remain faithful to Jesus, even unto death."