You know, as I look at the Scriptures, I see that following Jesus has always come with a cost. The Lord never promised us an easy road; He promised us Himself.
And in Iran today, there's a dear sister named Aida Najaflou, a 44-year-old mother of two, who has tasted that cost in a very real way. She grew up in a Muslim home, but the Lord opened her eyes to the truth of the Gospel.
She chose Christ, knowing full well what it might mean in her country, where turning from Islam to Jesus is seen as a danger to the state itself.
Aida joined with other believers in a simple house church in Tehran. They gathered to worship the Lord, to pray, to baptise new converts, to take communion, and even to celebrate the birth of our Saviour at Christmas.
Alongside Aida stood faithful brothers and sisters: Pastor Joseph Shahbazian and his wife, Lida; brother Nasser Navard Gol-Tapeh; and one unnamed sister whose name the Lord knows well.
Beautiful things, aren't they? The very things the early church did. But in February 2025, the authorities raided their meeting. Aida was arrested and taken to Evin Prison, that dark place where so many suffer for their faith.
She spent about 65 days in solitary confinement in Ward 209, interrogated by the intelligence people, all while dealing with her rheumatoid arthritis and the pain from recent surgeries. She had asked for a lower bunk because of her condition, but they ignored her request.
Then came the sentencing last October 21, the court gave her 17 years, charges like "acting against national security," gathering unlawfully, and propaganda.
It's the same kind of thing we've seen before: peaceful worship twisted into a crime against the regime. She was one of five believers hit with over 55 years combined.
My heart is numb when I think of it.
But while she was there, tragedy struck. On October 31, she fell from that top bunk she'd warned them about. Fractured her T12 vertebra, severe pain, danger of permanent damage.
They took her for an X-ray, but sent her right back on a stretcher, no real treatment at first. The other prisoners protested until she finally got surgery. Then an infection from the prison conditions set in, and she was rushed back to the hospital. Through it all, the Lord sustained her.
Praise God, last year on December 21, 2025, they granted her temporary release on bail, medical furlough so she could get the care she needs.
She's out now, as of March 2026, but the conviction stands. The appeal is pending, and she could be sent back at any time. Her health is fragile, her family needs her, yet she stands firm.
You look at her pictures, and she looks so young, so peaceful, almost radiant. I think it's the joy of the Lord. The Bible says the joy of the Lord is our strength, and in trials like this, that joy shines through.
Now, what does the Word say to us about all this? Hebrews 13:3 tells us, "Remember the prisoners as if chained with them, those who are mistreated, since you yourselves are in the body also". We're not to forget; we're to feel it with them. And 1 Corinthians 12:26: "If one member suffers, all the members suffer with it." That's the Body of Christ. When Aida hurts, we hurt. When she stands, we stand with her.
Prayer isn't just to wish her well; it's truly warfare, folks!
It is coming boldly to the throne of grace, as Hebrews 4:16 says, to obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Let's pray for Aida right now, I have suggested some points to help:
- Lord, touch her spine and her arthritis, heal her completely, free from pain and infection.
- Give favour in that appeal; let justice roll down, and overturn this unjust sentence.
- Watch over her two boys and her family; provide for them, comfort them.
- Strengthen Aida in her spirit; let her continue to shine for You, even in the shadow of prison walls.
- And for the whole persecuted Church in Iran: open doors for Your Word, bring comfort to the suffering, and let revival come through these fires.
You can keep up with her story through faithful ministries like Article 18 (articleeighteen.com - search "Aida Najaflou"). They've been tracking these cases closely.
Folks, Aida chose Christ knowing the cost, and the Lord is faithful to keep what we've committed to Him.
One day soon, He'll wipe away every tear. Until then, let's remember the prisoners, pray without ceasing, and encourage one another.
The Lord is coming ~ hold fast!
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