Turkey (MNN) — A rescue mission is underway for Pastor Saeed Abedini, a Christian arrested for starting home churches in Iran. But it's more like a rescue intervention.
Rev. Patrick Mahoney, Director of the Christian Defense Coalition in Washington, D.C. is taking action in this crisis and plans to leave the U.S. this Sunday for Turkey to meet and talk to Iranian officials there for the release of Abedini.
Once in Turkey, Mahoney hopes that he can make a difference. "I will not be speaking on a political level, but rather as one faith leader to another."
Rev. Mahoney says he's going on this rescue mission in "hopes of securing the release of Pastor Abedini who is serving an 8-year prison sentence because of his Christian beliefs." Rev. Mahoney says, "Every person should be afforded the right to express their faith traditions, free from government persecution, harassment, and intimidation. No one should have to suffer violence or brutality because of what they believe."
Abedini's wife teamed up with The Christian Defense Coalition and America Center for Law and Justice to hold a prayer vigil in front of the White House yesterday–the one-year anniversary of Abedini ‘s imprisonment. This prayer vigil was one of dozens held across the country and around the world for the release of Abedini and religious freedom.
Pray for safety for Mahoney. Pray also that the hearts of Iranian officials will be softened. Click here for more information on other prayer vigils and updates, and to join
600,000 others who have signed a petition securing the
release of Saeed Abedini.
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