(Photo Courtesy of ACLJ)
The number of signatures continues to grow, and now the U.S. Congress is starting to take notice. U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry is urging more than 80 Senators and Representatives to "exhaust every possible option" when it comes to the release of American Pastor Saeed Abedini.
Abedini was sentenced to eight years in prison for establishing a network of Christian house churches years ago and for "attempting to sway Iranian youth away from Islam." People all over are coming together to see to it that Abedini is released from a prison where he is undergoing physical and mental torture.
"This is a significant bi-partisan effort to secure the freedom of a U.S. citizen who faces incredible torture and life-threatening punishment in one of Iran's most brutal prisons--simply because of his Christian beliefs," said Jordan Sekulow, executive director of the American Center for Law and Justice (ACLJ), in a statement on Thursday.
Sekulow was noted as saying, "The U.S. government must protect its citizens and exercise every diplomatic tool available to secure the freedom of Pastor Saeed. We are very grateful for this Congressional support and urge Secretary Kerry to act without delay. Pastor Saeed's life hangs in the balance. Secretary Kerry's personal involvement in this case is critical to securing the freedom of this American."
Iran is listed at #8 on the Open Doors World Watch List of countries noted for the most severe persecution of Christians. Abedini is just one of the many Christians facing persecution daily. His story is not the first time that international pressure to release someone has worked.
Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani was released for a second time earlier this year after being sentenced to execution for converting to Christianity. His freedom was due to international pressure.
Pray that more congressmen will become involved in Abedini's case. Ask God to give him the strength to continue to endure this trial. Pray that Christians being persecuted in Iran will continue to be strong in their faith even as Abedini is facing hardship.
You can still sign the campaign for Pastor Saeed's release through SaveSaeed.org. Just as in Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani's case, your voice does make a difference.
