Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani, head of the church in Rasht, Iran, was arrested on 13 October 2009 for questioning the practice of Islamic education for Christian students, including his own children. that requires reading the Koran at school. His execution, originally scheduled for October 24, was postponed to a date unknown to security forces in the hope that Youcef would renounce Christ and return to Islam. Once the final verdict of the court is delivered, Pastor Youcef will have 20 days to appeal to the Federal Supreme Court.
Pastor Youcef’s wife, Fatemeh Passandideh, was arrested on 8 June and sentenced to life in prison; however, following an appeal, she was released after a hearing on 11 October, although her wife was acquitted, she is unlikely to be granted the same. to her husband because her Christian activity was greater and her most serious burden.
- In a letter to the international Christian community.
- Pastor Youcef took courage and comforted Christians around the world: “What we have today is a difficult but not unbearable situation.
- Because it proves nothing more than our faith cannot bear it.
- In these situations and prisons as an opportunity to bear witness to his name.
Prayer Requests
? Pray that Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani will find courage and trust in the Lord. Pray also that if it is God’s will, he may be freed and, if not, that he may face Christ and give glory to God in his call to suffer by the name of God. our Savior.
? Pray for the pastor’s wife and two children, may God support you during this time of great trial, and stand firm in faith and endure in the face of tyranny and loss.
? Pray that Iranian Christians will not feel intimidated or tired, but share the gospel courageously and seek the daily guidance of the Lord and grace.