Thursday, July 7, 2011

Update on Pastor Youcef!

This news just in from Thirteen Three, the Australian-youth division of the Voice of the Martyrs concerning Pastor Youcef, an Iranian pastor who was sentenced to execution for his faith:
Pastor Youcef Nardarkhani (34) was sentenced to death for apostasy in November 2010. His sentence was upheld by Iran’s Supreme Court on 28 June. But on 3 July, following an international prayer campaign, the Supreme Court overturned the death sentence under the condition that he recants his Christian faith. It is unclear whether the death sentence will be re-imposed if he refuses to recant.
According to Mohammad Ali Dadkhah, Youcef’s lawyer, “The Supreme Court has annulled the death sentence and sent the case back to the court in Rasht (his hometown), asking the accused to repent (recant).” Dadkhah is also facing imprisonment for ‘actions and propaganda against the Islamic regime’. He was recently sentenced in Tehran to nine years imprisonment and a 10 year ban on practicing or teaching law. He plans to lodge an appeal. 
Please keep Pastor Youcef in your prayers as his decision goes back to his hometown court. You can read the complete story here.

"Therefore those who are enduring burdens by the will of God, commit their souls to the faithful Creator. Promises that he has given us, are unique and precious. As we’ve heard he has said: “Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you” .... Have we not read and heard: Because strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it. Many attempt to flee from their spiritual tests, and they have to face those same tests in a more difficult manner, because no one will be victorious by escaping from them, but with patience and humility he will be able to overcome all the tests, and gain victory.... O beloved ones, difficulties do not weaken mankind, but they reveal the true human nature..... And as we have known from before, we must beware not to fail, but to advance in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, And consider these bumps and prisons as opportunities to testify to his name. He said: If anyone is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels." ~ Pastor Youcef, source: Present Truth Ministries

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