“You can’t kill a Christian. You can only change his address.”
This statement was given by Pastor Duke Downs and was posted in Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit Christian organization attempting to help persecuted churches around the world.
I love the truth in that statement and I am humbled that there Christians around the world that take it to heart and are willing to die for their faith.
Yousef Nadarkhani, a 34 year old Iranian Pastor was arrested over two years ago for converting to Christianity. Even though he was never a Muslim, he is being held on these charges because of his parent’s faith.
Youself, a husband and father of two boys, was given the opportunity to renounce his faith in Christ, but refused.
While I am proud of Yousef, my heart goes out to him and his family. I write this post, pleading with you to pray for this brave man of God. Pray he will be released, for continued faith for him and his family and most of all, pray that God will be glorified in this whole ordeal.
When Peter was imprisoned, 'the church was earnestly praying to God for him" (Acts 12:5) The church needs to do the same for Yousef.
When Peter was imprisoned, 'the church was earnestly praying to God for him" (Acts 12:5) The church needs to do the same for Yousef.
I’d like to also ask those of you who tweet to dedicate a daily tweet to publicize this case. In your tweet, include “Tweet for Youcef”, stating the number of days he has been imprisoned (currently 867) and end with #ViaOfficialACLJ”.
We need to take a stand against persecution based on religious beliefs. I applaud Fox news for their coverage this past week and I have to thank Franklin Graham of Samaritans Purse for helping to get the story out. The last time CNN wrote on this case was in October, 2011.
May we never forget to pray nor please the cause of those suffering for their faith.
This is what is on my heart today as I open the link for On Your Heart Tuesday. I would love to hear what is on your heart. Please link below and take a moment to read at least one other post and leave a kind comment.
If you want to read a fun post on shoes from around the world, go here!
This is what is on my heart today as I open the link for On Your Heart Tuesday. I would love to hear what is on your heart. Please link below and take a moment to read at least one other post and leave a kind comment.
If you want to read a fun post on shoes from around the world, go here!
my reading lately has led me to people imprisoned and/or killed for their faith. i think of two things - would i do the same? and what of their families? praying for this man, the government and the family.
ReplyDeleteLiving in our "comfortable" world, it's often hard to imagine that there are Christians being persecuted for their faith. My heart goes out to Yousef and his family. I pray that through his faith, many will come to know Christ.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Joan
It is so very tragic that this is happening in our world today. Humbling when we think about how fortunate we are here to be able to express our faith. Prayers for Yousef and his family...
ReplyDeleteI went to a VOM conference last year, and it really changed my whole perspective about what Faith really means. Oh, how we take so much for granted.
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this today. Iran has been on my heart lately too and a few days ago I posted about praying for their people. Thanks also for sharing about the 'Tweet for Youcef' I'm headed over to tweeter to do that now!
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Bless you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteI meant twitter, not tweeter...lol :)
ReplyDeletethanks for sharing this...I need to be reminded what others endure for their faith...prayer lifted right now...
ReplyDeleteWe must be continually reminded that there are suffering Christians in other lands who are being faithful even unto death. Our prayers go out to them everyone!
ReplyDeleteThis is horrible, I hadn't heard.
ReplyDeleteWe have been incredibly blessed to have grown up in a country where Freedom of Religion has allowed God's Word to flourish - yet, hearing this story shows how tenuous this freedom is - but how strong faith is! Praying for Yousef!
ReplyDeleteI love your perspective: “You can’t kill a Christian. You can only change his address.” that is so true. I am proud of him for making his choice and standing by that choice. I know that whatever happens it would have been for the glory of God. I alway enjoy your post.
ReplyDelete@ Edwards Granddaughter.
Thank you for this important post. People need to read this and understand the depth of this man's faith and to pray for him and others around the world being persecuted for their faith. Jesus said this would happen in the End Times, and surely He will come again soon.
ReplyDeleteLove in Him,
Laurie
I tweeted for Yousef. Most of us will never know the persecution people like Yousef must face.
ReplyDeleteOn my heart today is Edwin, age 21 who is fighting for his life due to cancer. I would appreciate some tweets for him also and/or blogging my post.
Thanks and God bless. xx
It is hard for us to even imagine the persecution some go through for their faith.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your tweets
Will be praying for Yousef and his family -- for his deliverance, and yes, that through his faithfulness many would come to know the Savior! Thankful for VOM's work in helping the persecuted and making us aware.
ReplyDeleteCount me in Shanda! I will pray for this brave family and I will also tweet for them. How easily we forget that millions of our brothers & sisters in Christ in other parts of the world are being persecuted daily for their faith. This makes me more grateful for our religious freedom here in the states. Thanks for sharing this Shanda, such a blessing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing this. Powerful statement that stays with your heart... will pray
ReplyDeleteHi Shanda - I will pray for this family and for God to give him the strength he needs to endure and for God to open prison doors.
ReplyDeleteGod bless
Tracy
Oh my. I'm praying.
ReplyDeleteMy heart hurts and aches....Praying! Hugs and blessings, Cindy
ReplyDeleteOh, Yousef is one of so many being persecuted for their faith. i have been praying with my kids for the suffering Christians. We just have no idea! Thank you for this post, for drawing attention to the need to entrust them to God. He does not ignore them! Bless you, friend, Alyssa
ReplyDeleteWhat a brave man - what a brave family. We can learn so much from people like Yousef and his wife. I'll be joining you in prayer for this special man who shows such radical obedience.
ReplyDeleteShanda, his comment makes me think of the song, Changing Neighborhoods. This is a song I told my family I want to have played at my funeral, because Pastor is right you can't kill a Christian, and we have a great Hope. I will certainly be praying for him and his family. Thank you for sharing this information!
ReplyDeleteHere are some good suggestions on other things (in addition to praying) that we can do to help Pastor Nadarkhani and his family:
ReplyDeletehttp://crybelovedcountry.com/2012/02/youcef-nadarkhani-two-things-you-can-do-to-hel/
What a story. So difficult for my brain to grasp. Blessings to you for spreading the word.
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to yousef and his family, and I pray the grace of Christ which is ever sufficient will carry him through. Your newest follower via GFC. I'd be glad if you return the favor.
ReplyDeleteMaxwell
http://beauty-hive.blogspot.com
Yes, Shanda...may we never, ever forget to pray. Love to you.
ReplyDeletewe are all in this together...our prayers are powerful. thank you for bringing this to attention.
ReplyDelete