Pray for Our Brother, His Wife and Children

Iranian Authorities to Execute Pastor for Apostasy

Remember the prisoners, as though in prison with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you yourselves also are in the body. Hebrews 13:3

I just received this article from a friend this morning. I am so glad I just read this verse this morning and the following remark by Beth Moore in Jesus the One and Only. Luke 12:4 "I tell you, my friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body and after that can do no more.Luke 12:5 But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear him who, after the killing of the body, has power to throw you into hell. Yes, I tell you, fear him." "Eternity is a far greater reality than this short breath of time. In essence, Christ said: "Don't fear people who can kil you now but can do nothing to you after that." The only healthy fear is of the One who controls forever"

After a court order temporarily delayed his death, a Christian pastor in Iran is again scheduled to be executed. Worthy News reports that Pastor Yousef Nadarkhani will be executed this weekend for the crime of apostasy unless the court again delays his execution. Before he was arrested in October 2009, Nadarkhani led one of the largest Christian communities in Iran. He was singled out by authorities for helping Muslims turn to Christ even though leaving Islam is punishable by death. He was finally arrested after protesting against the enforced reading of the Quran to Christian children. His wife was also arrested and has been sentenced to life in prison. Rights activists are petitioning for the release of both Nadarkhani and his wife.

OUR PRAYER: Lord God we come humbly to Your throne of grace to receive help in the time of trouble for our dear brother and sister and their children. Lord, You have counted them worthy to suffer for your name's sake. Lord, we now ask that you deliver them by Your mighty hand. Lord, you were obedient unto death, even death on the cross. If this is the means by which Pastor Yousef is to glorify you then we ask that you will give him the awesome sense of Your presence and great peace and courage. Help him to pray for those who persecute him. Help him to overcome evil with good. I pray that you would extend great courage and mercy to his dear wife. I pray that their captors would be ashamed and convicted of this sin against heaven. Help us to rise up and pray and act on their behalf. In the name above all names, amen.