This is my first entry of this nature. This is the kind of writing I do for my internship with Network211. This cause is something I am very passionate about. It's something that NEEDS to be dealt with. It's something that needs to be brought to people's attention. Christian or not, the freedom of religion is an unalienable right that is not being respected. It is a fight worth fighting. Please read this with an open mind and share it with everyone you know.
Many people believe that once we accept Jesus Christ, we will move from one good experience to another. Perhaps they think that finding salvation is like winning the lottery and all of our earthly problems will be over. But, Christians often must pay a high price for their faith on earth.
All around the world, the church is experiencing persecution in one form or another. In one place, Christians might be singled out for poor treatment in the work place. In another nation, they may lose their property or homes because of faith in Christ. Still other believers may be imprisoned or in the worst situations even die for the Good News.
Jesus told us that we would face opposition and even persecution as His followers. He also told us that He would be with us in those difficult moments. Though our struggles last for a night, joy comes in the morning!
One believer I know is currently being held in a horrible prison for his faith. His name is Saeed Abedini. He is an Iranian born American citizen. He had a wonderful conversion experience as a young man and has been greatly used by God to tell others about Jesus Christ.
Not everyone was pleased that Saeed left Islam and followed Jesus Christ. The Iranian government falsely arrested Saeed in July, 2012 when he was in his homeland building a non-sectarian orphanage. He was held for months without charge and then convicted without an adequate defense. His sentence was eight years in the infamous Evin Prison.
Since his imprisonment, Saeed has been subjected to terrible treatment. He has suffered beatings, been denied medical attention and placed for a time in solitary confinement. All during this time, he has been praying for his captors.Many people believe that once we accept Jesus Christ, we will move from one good experience to another. Perhaps they think that finding salvation is like winning the lottery and all of our earthly problems will be over. But, Christians often must pay a high price for their faith on earth.
All around the world, the church is experiencing persecution in one form or another. In one place, Christians might be singled out for poor treatment in the work place. In another nation, they may lose their property or homes because of faith in Christ. Still other believers may be imprisoned or in the worst situations even die for the Good News.
Jesus told us that we would face opposition and even persecution as His followers. He also told us that He would be with us in those difficult moments. Though our struggles last for a night, joy comes in the morning!
One believer I know is currently being held in a horrible prison for his faith. His name is Saeed Abedini. He is an Iranian born American citizen. He had a wonderful conversion experience as a young man and has been greatly used by God to tell others about Jesus Christ.
Not everyone was pleased that Saeed left Islam and followed Jesus Christ. The Iranian government falsely arrested Saeed in July, 2012 when he was in his homeland building a non-sectarian orphanage. He was held for months without charge and then convicted without an adequate defense. His sentence was eight years in the infamous Evin Prison.
Saeed is a bold man of faith. He wanted us to release the video on this page as his message to the persecuted church. He recorded this in May of 2012, just prior to leaving for Iran. We delayed releasing this powerful testimony, hoping for his speedy release but just received word from Saeed that he wants this message to go out.
Even in the midst of his own greatest trial, Saeed wants to encourage you to stand firm in your faith and serve Jesus Christ. If Saeed can endure so much and still joyfully serve Christ, we can too!
Please pray with us for Saeed's speedy release. His wife, Naghmeh and their two children are anxiously awaiting his victorious return. They need our prayers too.
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