 Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani and wife, "Sister Tina" Photo from Present Truth Ministries |
Christians in Iran are reporting that Pastor Youcef Nadarkhani has been sentenced to death for what is called a "thought crime." Pastor Youcef, a leader in the Full Gospel "Church of Iran" network, was arrested in October 2009 after protesting a decision by the government requiring that his son study the Qur'an. VOM contacts confirm that the pastor's trial was held in recent weeks in the 11th Chamber of the Assize Court of the province of Gilan, but a formal verdict has not yet been delivered by the court. If a death sentence is officially handed down and Pastor Youcef is executed, his would be the first judicial execution of a Christian in Iran in two decades.
Pray that God will fill Pastor Youcef and his family with peace and that they will continue to stand on the Word, knowing that God protects His children. Pray for those in charge of Pastor Youcef's case, that God would soften their hearts and cause them to overturn their decision. Pray for all Iranian believers who are in custody, that they would know that God can use their imprisonment for His glory.
Please visit the Iran Country Report to learn more about suffering believers in Iran.
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