Yesterday, many rejoiced as the two American hikers, who had been held as prisoners in Iran for the past two years, landed safely at the JFK airport.
As the hikers recounted their whole ordeal, one quote especially stood out to me:
“There are people in Iran who have been imprisoned for years for simply attending a protest, for writing a pro-democracy blog or for worshiping an unpopular faith.”
Christianity is one of the most unpopular faiths in Iran. Many Christians in this country have faced this kind of persecution. I think of Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani who is on death row for refusing to deny Christ.
Pastor Nadarkhani was sentenced to death for apostasy because he converted to Christianity. According to an article in the National Review, he had been tried and found guilty a year ago, even though the court also found that he had never been a practicing Muslim as an adult.
Iran’s Supreme Court stated that the pastor would have four chances to recant his faith and convert to Islam. He has been given this chance twice already, and will have two more opportunities to do so tomorrow and Wednesday.
Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani was arrested in 2009 when he attempted to legally register his church with authorities. His defense lawyer was sentenced to a nine year prison sentence for “actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime.”
Iran is a country that desperately needs our prayers. Please pray that the Lord would intervene in a miraculous way. Pray that Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani and other Christians in prison for their faith would be set free and that more would come to know the saving power that is found in Christ alone!
