We fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal. 2 Corinthians 4:18
Haik Hovespian Mehr (1994)
“I am ready to die for the cause of the Church”
On 19 January 1994 Bishop Haik, who had spent much time making public the sufferings and persecutions of Christians in Iran, disappeared from a Tehran street. He loved the people of Iran, having dedicated his life to serving them, and especially spoke out for converts from Islam. For this reason he was targeted. Bishop Haik had campaigned for the release of an evangelist and convert from Islam, Mehdi Dibaj (see July 14), from prison, and he disappeared two days after Mehdi was finally freed.
Haik wrote, “I am ready to die for the cause of the Church so that others will be able to worship their Lord peacefully and without so much fear.”
On 30 January his family was informed by the Iranian authorities of his death. He had been tortured and killed on 20 January, and although it remains unclear exactly who was responsible, the Iranian authorities refused to help his family discover the truth.
The servant of Christ must never be surprised if he has to drink of the same cup with his Lord.
J C Ryle (1816-1900)