[BREAKING: As noted here, Pastor Andrew Brunson has finally been released! A Turkish court in Izmir granted Brunson freedom from house arrest. Later in the day, DW reported that the court lifted Pastor Brunson’s travel ban and dropped the espionage charges. He boarded a U.S. military flight to Germany, the report continues, and will continue his travels to the U.S. from there. We’ll keep you updated as the story unfolds.]
Turkey (MNN) — Today’s the big day for American Pastor Andrew Brunson. He’s appearing before a Turkish judge for the fourth time since April in a case that’s dragged on for two years.
There’s plenty of buzz circulating about how Brunson’s case will play out. Earlier this week, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo expressed his hopes for a “good outcome” following the hearing. NBC News reports a “secret deal” designed to secure Brunson’s release and ease U.S. economic pressure on Turkey.
Voice of the Martyrs’ Todd Nettleton says you can’t believe everything you hear.
“We’re hearing some of those same predictions [as last time]: ‘Oh, the U.S. pressure has produced results; he’s definitely going to be released this time,’” he states. “We don’t know. We know there is ‘back and forth’ between the two governments, but the key thing for us to realize is…
“It’s not really about Andrew Brunson. It’s not really about so-called evidence in the trial. It’s about this competition between the Turkish leadership and the American leadership.”
Pastor Brunson was arrested in 2016 following accusations of terrorist activity. After approximately 18 months of waiting, Brunson appeared in court for the first time in April. He’s been in and out of the courtroom ever since. In July, a judge moved Brunson from prison to house arrest.
Much of the same hype and speculation circulating now was present before Brunson’s July trial, Nettleton notes.
“There were a lot of rumors at Andrew Brunson’s last trial in July: ‘He’s going to be let go; this is the one…. He’s definitely going home after this one.’ After the hearing, he went right back to jail.”
How can we help Andrew Brunson?
Prayer is the most important course of action as we wait for details to emerge, Nettleton says.
Andrew and Norine Brunson (Photo courtesy of Open Doors USA)
First, pray for Andrew Brunson, his wife Noreen, and their children.
“This is a very difficult situation for them and I think the fact that it’s not about guilt or innocence or evidence makes it even harder.”
Second, pray for the Persecuted Church in Turkey. Pray Brunson’s case will not overshadow their plight, but will instead bring global attention to their situation.
“Andrew Brunson, because of his American citizenship, he’s got all this international attention, he’s got an entire government pressuring on his behalf,” Nettleton explains.
“A Turkish Christian would not have those same things happening. Quite possibly, we wouldn’t be talking about them. Their name might not even be known.”
The “invisibility” of persecuted Christians is what makes VOM’s work so important. Visit their website to learn more about their ministry in Turkey and beyond.
Header image courtesy of EPC.
