Letter-writing Campaign Shows Support for Iranian Pastor Awaiting Death Sentence

Michael Ireland : Jul 27, 2011
ASSIST News

"We are receiving reports that he is standing firm and strong in his faith, even encouraging those who are discouraged, exhorting them to trust in the Lord." -Jason DeMars

(Rasht, Iran)—While Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani remains in an Iranian prison awaiting re-examination of his case on charges of apostasy sometime in September, ASSIST News Service has received word that so far 1,444 letters have been sent in order to encourage to him.

Jason DeMars of Present Truth Ministries (www.presenttruthmn.com) says that until Nadarkhani's case is reconsidered by the lower court, "it is critical that we continue in prayer for him, that God's purpose would be accomplished through him."

Nadarkhani faces execution by hanging, unless he recants his faith in Jesus Christ.

"We are receiving reports that he is standing firm and strong in his faith, even encouraging those who are discouraged, exhorting them to trust in the Lord," DeMars said.

He continued: "It is also recommended that we continue to send encouraging letters to him using Voice of the Martyr's program, 'Prisoner Alert.' Please do not include money or any other type of gift. The prison guards will take these things for themselves. The letters do not always get through to brother Youcef, but they include Scripture and encouraging words, so even if only the prison guards read them, you may be planting a seed of the Word of God in their hearts.

"Also, it lets the Iranian government know that this brother is not forgotten, and that thousands of people are praying for him and are concerned about his welfare."

If you go to www.prisoneralert.com you will see Pastor Youcef's profile. You can email Iranian officials politely requesting his immediate release, and, more importantly, you can send an encouraging letter to him in prison.